Summer 2024 Transfer Window - hopes, speculation, rumours etc.

[Chris Smith]

ESR is surely at a stage in his career where he needs to be first choice so it would be odd if he was willing to swap being a squad player at Arsenal for a similar role with us.

[tomd2103]

Calling Bailey “erratic” this season is bonkers.

Yep, before this season you could have levelled that accusation at him, but this year he's been phenomenal.  He has the odd bad game like every player on the planet, but his average level is exceptionally high these days.

I know I'm in a minority on here when it comes to this, but I still just don't see it with Bailey if we're talking the levels we're currently at.  He has undoubtedly produced some really good moments this season, but he just gives the ball away too often in between those moments. 

The kind of players who operate at the levels we are now at, produce the kind of numbers Bailey has this season without losing the ball so often.  I still think he looks his most dangerous when he comes on during games.

As I say though, I doubt we will be able to afford to bring in the kind of player who would be an upgrade on him.

[Olneythelonely]

If you “don’t see it” with Bailey, then you’re not looking properly, or don’t know what you’re looking for.

[Smithy]

Calling Bailey “erratic” this season is bonkers.

Yep, before this season you could have levelled that accusation at him, but this year he's been phenomenal.  He has the odd bad game like every player on the planet, but his average level is exceptionally high these days.

I know I'm in a minority on here when it comes to this, but I still just don't see it with Bailey if we're talking the levels we're currently at.  He has undoubtedly produced some really good moments this season, but he just gives the ball away too often in between those moments. 

The kind of players who operate at the levels we are now at, produce the kind of numbers Bailey has this season without losing the ball so often.  I still think he looks his most dangerous when he comes on during games.

Out of interest, who are these players who produce the sort of numbers Bailey has whilst also not losing the ball as often? Are they in the room with us now?

[Monty]

I think this is one of those instances where we watch the Villa with different eyes to when we watch football in general. Bailey's performances for most of this season have belonged in the real top echelon of wingers in this league.

[tomd2103]

If you “don’t see it” with Bailey, then you’re not looking properly, or don’t know what you’re looking for.

As I said, someone who doesn't give the ball away as much.  Look at the comparisons in the teams where we should be aiming to be.

[LeeB]

Not only has Bailey been electric, forcing himself into a winning team, he clearly played through the pain barrier recently when we've needed him.

[tomd2103]

I think this is one of those instances where we watch the Villa with different eyes to when we watch football in general. Bailey's performances for most of this season have belonged in the real top echelon of wingers in this league.

I'd agree that his good moments have, but look at the players who play where he plays in the teams where we hopefully want to get to.  Saka, Foden, Salah - none of those give the ball away as often. 

[Dave]

If you “don’t see it” with Bailey, then you’re not looking properly, or don’t know what you’re looking for.

As I said, someone who doesn't give the ball away as much.  Look at the comparisons in the teams where we should be aiming to be.

I guess his closest comparisons would be Doku at Man City, Dias at Liverpool and Saka at Arsenal then?

I've not watched as much of any of them as I have of Bailey, but certainly the first two don't strike me as much better at keeping the ball than Bailey does for us.

[Drummond]

Not only has Bailey been electric, forcing himself into a winning team, he clearly played through the pain barrier recently when we've needed him.

Absolutely, love him.

[LeeB]

It's something I would've criticised before his rebirth, but this season his passing has been sublime.

It's a mad old take, Tom.

[tomd2103]

If you “don’t see it” with Bailey, then you’re not looking properly, or don’t know what you’re looking for.

As I said, someone who doesn't give the ball away as much.  Look at the comparisons in the teams where we should be aiming to be.

I guess his closest comparisons would be Doku at Man City, Dias at Liverpool and Saka at Arsenal then?

I've not watched as much of any of them as I have of Bailey, but certainly the first two don't strike me as much better at keeping the ball than Bailey does for us.

Splitting hairs Dave, but Salah and Foden are the direct comparisons at Liverpool and Man City (ie. left footers playing on the right). 

[Drummond]

He's the sort of player that makes things happen. Sometimes they lose the ball but it's worth it for the usual product we're getting from him.

Goals, assists, space, skill, passing, attitude.

[Monty]

Being left-footed on the right isn't the relevant comparison though: it's their role in the team. Foden is a drift-inside playmaker type; Doku is the purer winger, and therefore the Bailey equivalent.

And I'd love to check the statistics but my impression of Saka and Salah is that they do, actually, give the ball away a fair amount! Saka for sure spends half his time pretending to limp having gone down too easily to fool the ref.

[paul_e]

Risking giving the ball away is what makes wingers productive because when it works they create chances. Trying the take that risk away is exactly what Guardiola has done with Grealish, and he's now a shadow of the player he was for us.

As for Salah, he has lower pass completion and is dispossessed around twice as often as Bailey, this season.