In a new series of articles, FantasySports.co.uk will analyse the likely formation and performance impact that players would have on some of the Premier League’s greatest clubs. Today, we ask the question: ‘How would Bayer Leverkusen player Leon Bailey fit in at Arsenal?’
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Our analysis series is to assist Fantasy Premier League managers in understanding the impact Leon Bailey could have next season in the English top-flight.
Analysis: How would Bayer Leverkusen player Leon Bailey fit in at Arsenal?
Bayer Leverkusen’s 20-year-old left winger Leon Baily is one of the hottest properties in the Bundesliga currently. Since arriving at Bayer in January 2017, Bailey has become one of the league’s top players.
In his first full season with Bayer, Bailey tallied nine goals and six assists in 30 matches. Twenty-five of Bailey’s appearances came from the start of games. In four DFB Pokal matches, Bailey added another three goals in four appearances.
Bailey averaged 2.5 shots per match in the Bundesliga while completing 75 percent of his passes. Six of Bailey’s goals came away from the Bayer Arena in the Bundesliga. In addition, his assist totals were up when playing on the road. Four of his six league assists came away from home.
Four of Bailey’s goals came while playing on the left side of Bayer’s midfield. While his defensive contributions were limited, he was constantly a threat for the club down the left-hand side.
Bayer finished in a three-way tie for third place on 55 points in the Bundesliga. However, due to the club’s goal difference, it missed out on Champions League qualification to Hoffenheim and Borussia Dortmund.
Bailey’s 2017-18 with Bayer was truly a breakout season. The youngster was merely a prospect until shining brightly under coach Heiko Herrlich.
Bailey has scored 16 career goals since turning professional in 2015-16. Of course, nine of those came last term. The winger’s assist numbers have remained steady since breaking into Belgium club Genk’s squad. In his rookie 2015-16 season, Bailey tallied 10 assists in all competitions. In 2016-17, he played just 19 matches for Genk but still tallied six assists before joining Bayer.
Bayer preferred a 4-2-3-1 formation last season. Bailey was deployed on the left side of the three attacking midfielders. At times Herrlich used a 3-4-2-1 formation with Bailey sitting further back on the left side of midfield. His best position, however, is closer to the goal.
Bailey would offer excitement and energy to Arsenal’s play. Manager Unai Emery wants Arsenal to play a pressing, high-intensity style of football. Bailey could bring this high-energy style to the club. His career assist totals show a player able to create. He would be an alternative to Mesut Ozil who isn’t the high-energy player Emery prefers.
Fantasy managers would love Bailey’s ability to create goals. Not only would Bailey be a great Fantasy Premier League pick, but so would Arsenal’s top strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. The duo would benefit from Bailey’s creativity.
How would Leon Bailey change Arsenal? Would he improve your fantasy team?