Fans have been heaping praise on Leon Bailey for his impact from the bench in Thursday night’s nail-biting Europa Conference League victory over Lille, with one moment in particular highlighted for showcasing “captain material”.
Fans witnessed one of the most dramatic nights in Aston Villa’s recent history as they managed to overcome Lille on penalties to reach the semi-finals, thanks to heroics from Emi Martinez.
It was a bizarre game with plenty of talking points. Emi Martinez appeared to be sent off until a little-known rule saved the ‘keeper.
Multiple first-team players struggled to replicate their performance against Arsenal at the weekend, as the Birmingham outfit looked set to crash out of the competition. Matty Cash brought his side back from the brink with a well-taken half-volley to save Uni Emery’s Lions from heading back to B6 with their tails between their legs and secure a chance to turn their fortunes around in extra-time.
None of this may have happened if it wasn’t for the appearance of Leon Bailey. The substitution helped change the game for Villa as the winger instantly became one of the best players on the pitch.
It was a change that did not go unnoticed by the fans at the stadium and the thousands watching back home as Bailey once again made a pivotal contribution from the bench.
Read more: Aston Villa’s route to the Europa Conference League final.
Leon Bailey moment vs Lille impresses Aston Villa fans
Leon Bailey has been widely praised for his performances this season, but it was what he did vs Lille that really impressed the Villa Park faithful.
Much like his appearance off the bench against Arsenal, Bailey wasted no time in making an impact.
After the match, fans took to social media to claim that the winger possessed “captain material” after seeing what he did to rally his teammates after Villa went 2-0 down and all home was lost.
Just as heads could have dropped, Bailey called on his teammates to keep going and force their way into a Europa Conference League semi-final tie.
Urging his side on, he said: “Hey, hey, hey, we have time, look, we have time.” His calming presence looks to have made the difference, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by Villa fans.
Upon viewing the clip, one fan stated that Bailey was ‘like a captain’ as soon as he came on.
Another suggested that his ‘elite mentality’ and ‘confidence’ helped change was on full show in his appearance.
His mentality upon coming on was something widely agreed upon with another stating that it is ‘monstrous’.
One fan also claimed that he is the ‘best signing’ Villa have made since Jack Grealish’s departure.
His leadership was also highly praised one fan added: “During bad times big characters come out and Leon Bailey not only came on and changed the game, but made sure all the lads knew we still had a chance.”
Another fan also claimed that he could become a ‘top-class manager’ in the future.
Leon Bailey highlight key reason for Aston Villa’s success
Leon Bailey has cut a frustrated figure since arriving at Villa Park in 2021 with injuries, making it difficult for the 26-year-old to cement his place in the starting XI with any consistency.
It was his pace and trickery which caught the eye when he first arrived, but he is fast becoming and integral piece in Unai Emery’s Aston Villa masterplan with leadership qualities coming from the bench.
Bailey personified the mentality being instilled into this Villa side, being introduced with a heavily-strapped knee, he made an almost instant impact on proceedings, just as he did against Arsenal, and it’s that resilience that is proving key for Villa this season.
It has been overlooked just how heavily impacted Emery’s side have been by injuries throughout this campaign, but the manager has been able to call upon his fringe players when needed.
That never-say-die attitude is exactly why fans have fallen in love with this current Villa side set to enjoy the most successful season in generations.
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