Dan Bardell believes the “scapegoat” label on Leon Bailey at Aston Villa is “really unfair” after positive performances against Crystal Palace and Juventus.
The Jamaica international is yet to score a goal this season and has come under fire for his drop-off in performance levels from last campaign.
After facing criticism, the 27-year-old’s showings have improved with the Champions League clash against the Old Lady being arguably his best of the season.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell was full of praise for the winger who he believes has been unfairly slammed in recent weeks.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “Bailey is a bit of a scapegoat at the moment.
“Villa have been struggling as a team so I don’t think it is right to single out individuals but because he’s a winger, an attacking player, he’s an easy target.
I actually thought there were signs of recovery against Crystal Palace. He was involved in all things good going forward in that game.
“I thought he was one of Villa’s better individuals against Juventus but until he gets a goal or an assist, people are going to criticise him.
“I think that’s really unfair because he worked really hard and created Villa’s best chance for John McGinn. I was pleased with his performance.“
Leon Bailey performs well for Aston Villa v Juventus
It will be frustrating for the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man that he didn’t grab a goal or an assist despite performing better against Juve.
A goal involvement is coming for Bailey if he continues to perform as he is right now, looking much better with Matty Cash behind him at right-back.
The Villans arguably should have taken three points after Morgan Rogers’ late goal was ruled out in controversial circumstances
On another day Villa take all three points and the Jamaican gets plenty of praise but as it is, some fans aren’t sold just yet.
In other Aston Villa news, a BBC pundit was stunned by what ‘extraordinary’ Ollie Watkins did against Juventus.
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