FOOTBALL-Bailey in ‘form of his life,’ says Richards

LONDON, CMC – Former Manchester City defender and television pundit Micah Richards believes Reggae Boy Leon Bailey is “in the form of his life” following his 11th goal in all competitions for Aston Villa last weekend.

The 26-year-old netted the home side’s final goal at Villa Park as they brushed aside Nottingham Forest 4-2 to remain in solid contention for Champions League qualification in fourth.

Richards, who also finished his career at Villa, said Bailey’s pace and movement made it hard for defenders.

“He’s always looking to pass forward with a purpose, with good pace on the ball. He gets his reward for working so hard, and it was a lovely little tap-in to round off an excellent performance,” Richards told BBC’s Match-of-the-Day.

“He was perfect. Only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah are above him, with 84 minutes per goal or assist.

“He’s in the form of his life – this is what he showed at Leverkusen. This is what we all wanted to see.”

After a few quiet seasons at Villa Park, Bailey has found favor and form under Spanish manager Unai Emery to be one of the West Midlands club’s leading players this season.

He has scored eight goals in the Premier League and registered seven assists, with only Liverpool’s Salah (24) and City’s Haaland (22) having more combined goals and assists.

Villa’s first goal at the weekend came through Bailey’s enterprise down the right, taking out a defender before crossing for Ollie Watkins’s easy tap-in.

“Leon Bailey was excellent. He talks about his manager, wants to be more consistent, and showed that …,” Richards continued.

“When he’s on the right-hand side – and I’ve played against wingers like this – it’s always difficult to defend when they can go both ways. He showed his intent, he was ready for it, and everything he did was excellent.

“He can come a little deeper, slow it up, and then run into the space. A lot of players now, when they develop, make the right decisions.

“You think he’s going to go on his left foot, and then he goes on his right foot. He was so confident within the game.”

On the back of his excellent form, Bailey signed an improved three-year deal earlier this month, which will see him remain at the club until 2027, with the option of a year’s extension.