Every weekend we pick out one player under the age of 23 from around Europe and analyse their performance to provide you with an in-depth scouting report.
As the new generation begin to make their mark, the big clubs start to be linked with an interest and that’s certainly been the case with Jamaica and Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey.
Liverpool and Manchester United are known admirers and so for those fans looking to know more, we examine the 20-year-old’s display as Leverkusen beat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-0 in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
STATISTICS
Goals – 0
Assists – 0
Shots – 2
Shots on target – 0
Touches – 49
Passes – 30
Aerials won – 1
Key passes – 3
Dribbles – 2
Dispossessed – 0
30-SECOND REPORT
It’s easy to see why a whole host of clubs in Europe are interested in the Leverkusen youngster. Starting on the left flank, he was a constant threat and a regular outlet for the hosts.
His pace and trickery makes him a handful for defenders but he also showed glimpses of his fine technique with a few good touches and excellent crosses.
The Jamaican proved his ability to operate on either flank. While he is predominantly left-footed, he can deliver quality with his right as well.
Bailey did make a few mistakes as well but there’s no questioning his value to the team. He was quieter in the second half and was replaced in the 68th minute.
GOT RIGHT
Crossing – He attempted eight crosses in the game, more than any other play despite being substituted with more than 20 minutes to play. His deliveries were dangerous with four of them finding a team-mate. He should’ve had an assist but for Kevin Volland’s glaring miss while his very next cross set up the opening goal.
Breakaways – While he may not be one for tracking back, his pace on the counter-attack is a real asset to his side. He was at the heart of virtually every breakaway his side could muster while he was still on the pitch.
GOT WRONG
Shooting – He had two shots at goal on the day, neither of which were on target. His effort for the first was dragged horribly wide when he had time to set himself while his second attempt was just a wild lash which flew into row Z.
Decision-making – This particular flaw came to the fore when he completely ignored or just wasn’t aware of his two team-mates in the middle completely unmarked, choosing instead to shoot from the edge of the box against the angle with two defenders closing him down. Even if he wasn’t sure he had support, he’d have been better served cutting inside and getting his head up instead of letting fly from that position.
KEY MOMENTS
14th min TACKLED: Bombs down the left flank with plenty of promise on the break. Pulls off a few step-overs in the process
18th min FOULED: Driving through the middle this time, Bailey does well to win a free-kick in a dangerous area.
22nd min SHOT: Played in with acres of space on the left, gets inside the box on his favoured left foot but doesn’t make a good connection and drags his effort well wide.
24th min WASTED CHANCE: Breaking away on the left, he’s confronted by two defenders but has a team-mate completely unmarked in the box with another one arriving. He takes a wild pop at goal though much to the frustration of the rest of his team.
36th minute CROSS: Down the right flank, he cuts onto his left foot and hangs up an exceptional cross at the back post but Volland criminally heads wide unmarked from close range.
39th minute CROSS: Takes on the full-back and goes down the outside this time. Stands up another cross, this time with his right foot, at the far post. Volland knocks it down for Lucas Alario to slot away.
47th minute RUN: Storms down the right side on the counter-attack but can’t beat the defender and is made to check back. His attempted cross is blocked and the chance goes begging.
Leon Bailey (l)
VERDICT
Still a very raw but very exciting talent. Under the right coach and in the right environment, Bailey could well mature into a very special player.
His shooting is far better than his two wayward shots against Monchengladbach but his awareness and decision-making needs work.
Still, the visitors couldn’t live with him at times and he was the spark Leverkusen needed to engineer the first goal.
RATING: 7/10
All statistics are compiled using whoscored.com
