Leon Bailey

Bailey's biggest weapon is a burst of pace that most full backs cannot live with over the first few strides, getting beyond a defender before they have set themselves properly. Rather than always reaching the byline to cross, he prefers cutting inside onto his stronger foot to shoot, and he finishes competently with either foot when the angle demands it.

That directness makes him a natural outlet on the counter attack, someone Villa can find quickly with one pass forward. Fitness has been the recurring issue across his time at the club, with spells of genuinely electric form interrupted by time on the sidelines. Watch how often he is used as an option from the bench rather than a guaranteed starter, because that role has become part of his story at Villa. That inconsistency is part of what makes every fit spell feel like appointment viewing for supporters.