Unai Emery has bolstered Aston Villa’s attack with the winter signings of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, and Donyell Malen. Despite increased competition, Leon Bailey emphasizes the team’s priority is to work well together rather than focus on individual rivalry. Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, has already created the most chances in the Premier League since his debut. Asensio has scored in consecutive matches, while Malen continues to impress. Bailey insists that collaboration is key for success, highlighting the team’s aim to gel and win games together. Villa seeks to reach Wembley, with a strong desire for a trophy this season.
Unai Emery has a wealth of options in his attacking lineup following the acquisitions of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, and Donyell Malen during the winter transfer window
Leon Bailey remains unfazed by the heightened competition for spots in the Aston Villa lineup, emphasizing that the team’s collective goal takes precedence.
Unai Emery bolstered his attacking roster in the winter transfer window, securing Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio on loan after Donyell Malen’s arrival from Borussia Dortmund for £20 million.
Bailey was initially favored over Jaden Philogene for the right-wing position in the first half of the season, prior to Villa deciding to sell the former Hull City player.
However, the Jamaican international now faces more competition with Rashford and Asensio making strong impressions, alongside Malen’s notable performances.
Rashford has made six appearances since his loan from Manchester United, and since his debut on February 9, he has created the most chances in all competitions among Premier League players (13).
Asensio, for his part, has netted two goals in consecutive home games against Chelsea and Cardiff City in the FA Cup most recently.
Bailey recorded his second assist of the season during the 2-0 victory, setting up Asensio to extend Villa’s lead on Friday night.
“There’s always competition, but that’s secondary,” Bailey commented regarding Emery’s dynamic forward choices. “The priority is our ability to perform well together.
“It doesn’t matter who is up front; that’s the key point we need to focus on, rather than the competition that’s present.
“We’re all aware of our talents and we’re all capable players who can contribute. Yet, the question is, can we contribute while playing together?
“That’s something we’ve been concentrating on, and so far, it’s been yielding positive results. As we play together more consistently, we learn to understand each other better and quicker.
“I feel it is going well, and I hope it continues to come together at the crucial moments.”
When asked if the competition makes him anxious, Bailey responded: “Not at all, that focus is more for the media. It’s for you to ponder. But honestly, we as players don’t view it that way.
“We are all part of the same team, with the same goals and objectives. For us, it is primarily about connecting and performing well together.
“Regardless of who takes the field, our aim is to ensure the synergy is present. Because that’s the only way we’ll secure victories, not by competing against each other. We don’t think like that.
“Our main goal is to gel cohesively. If I’m not performing, we know there are strong players who can step in and make a significant impact.
“As I mentioned, that’s the only approach we know because our aim is to win games. That’s the only method I believe in.”
Villa is just one win away from Wembley and will await the quarter-final draw following Manchester United’s fifth-round match against Fulham on Sunday evening.
“Not only for the fans, but for the team too,” Bailey expressed about the prospect of reaching Wembley. “It would be incredible if we could achieve that and bring our fans, family members, and everyone to Wembley.
“However, we don’t merely want to reach Wembley; our goal is to win there. That’s what we’re focusing on, and that’s the challenge ahead of us.
“We are determined to win a trophy this year. That remains our primary target and focus.”