Aston Villa: 'Exceptional' £25m star could become 'in demand' at Villa Park

Aston Villa star Leon Bailey could go on to become one of the most in-demand wingers in the Premier League, believes journalist Josh Holland.

The Jamaica international has had his difficulties this season, but Holland still thinks he can come good.

Much was expected from Bailey, who was once hailed as “exceptional” by Ronald de Boer, after he joined in a £25m deal from Bayer Leverkusen last summer to help fill the gap left by Jack Grealish.

However, injury has really disrupted the 24-year-old’s debut campaign in England. As a result, he has made less than 10 starts for the Villans, which is disappointing.

The dismissal of Dean Smith, the manager who brought him to the club, would not have helped his settling-in process, either.

Nevertheless, still just 24 and only into his first season in the Premier League, there remains plenty of time to turn things around should Steven Gerrard keep him in his squad.

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If Gerrard does indeed retain Bailey beyond this summer, Holland thinks Villa have the chance to develop the former Leverkusen star into a winger everyone wants.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the football journalist said: “Everyone knows his quality. Previously, he was being linked with top-four clubs. When Villa bought him, it was a bit like, ‘Wow, Villa mean business.’

“So if they can get him going and get him playing well, then it won’t be long until he’s one of the most in-demand Premier League wingers.”

Yes, and it is definitely not out of the question, with the Villa manager quite clearly liking a lot of the player’s attributes.

“Speed, one-vs-one ability to beat an opponent. Leon, when he comes back, we want him to think like a