Although the Reggae Boyz face the challenge of adjusting to the absence of star player Leon Bailey from their 23-man roster ahead of the Nation’s League semi-final against the United States on March 21, Bailey himself is relishing life with his English Premier League (EPL) club Aston Villa.
Bailey, who has been excluded from the Reggae Boyz squad by head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson due to a violation of the team’s 10 p.m. curfew, showcased his prowess by scoring in Aston Villa’s 4-0 victory over Ajax in the Europa Conference League. Following the match, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and highlighted their resilience and quality.
Aston Villa, currently occupying fourth place in the EPL, will now advance to the quarter-finals of a major European competition for the first time since 1998, where they are scheduled to face French club Lille. Bailey attributes his improved performance to his collaboration with the coaching staff, enabling him to create scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates.
Bailey’s resurgence this season has been impressive, with 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions. He attributes his good form to a solid pre-season and believes that feeling more at ease, coupled with extensive team meetings, has been beneficial.
Reflecting on Aston Villa’s potential this season, Bailey emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment and cherishing the progress made by the team. He acknowledges the collective effort and hard work that have contributed to their success thus far.