Leon Bailey has been a standout performer for Aston Villa this season, registering 16 involvements in as many starts.
It’s been all the more impressive considering his difficult start to life in the West Midlands.
The 26-year-old has openly admitted he had issues with Steven Gerrard during his tenure at Villa Park. “The previous coach I had issues with the coaches. Things weren’t clicking,” he said [Let’s Be Honest Podcast].
In the same podcast, Bailey highlighted how he enjoys playing with one Aston Villa player.
Who does Leon Bailey love playing with at Aston Villa?
Bailey has opened up on his relationship with Moussa Diaby and admitted he plays “well” with his former Bayer Leverkusen teammate.
“I know we play well together,” he told Let’s Be Honest.
“Even before he went there (to Villa) when I saw the rumours, I was on the phone with the coach saying we should really get Diaby as he would be a lot of help to the team. He was really happy as well.”
He added, “I spoke to Diaby and convinced him to come. Moussa and I have a great relationship. We normally play the same position, but I can play anywhere, and he can do the same. It’s not like we only play one position and are fighting for this spot.”
When was the last time Moussa Diaby started in the Premier League?
Diaby hasn’t started in the Premier League since 30 January, when Villa were beaten 3-1 by Newcastle United at home.
Since then, the Frenchman has had to make do with substitute cameos, although he was handed Conference League starts in both fixtures against Ajax.
Unfortunately for the £50million club-record signing, Bailey’s form has been hard to contend with. However, Sunday’s draw against West Ham demonstrated that both players can play together.
The 24-year-old produced an excellent piece of play to set up Nicolo Zaniolo’s equaliser and also created three big chances during his 45-minute cameo. With doubts about Jacob Ramsey’s fitness, throwing Diaby in from the outset against Wolves could be an option for Unai Emery.
Considering Bailey’s development, there’s every chance of the Frenchman following suit in the coming years.
