Leon Bailey: Collective glory more important than individual aims at Aston Villa

The additions of Donyell Malen, Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio has given Emery an embarrassment of riches up front, with the latter scoring both goals in Friday’s FA Cup win over Cardiff City.

But winger Bailey says players aren’t feeling under any added pressure with collective success more important than individual interests.

Asked about the strong competition for places in Emery’s team, Bailey replied: “I don't think that's ever the focus. I think that's more so for the media. That's for you guys to think.

"But honestly, we as the players, we don't think like that.

"We're all on the same team, we all have the same objective and the same goal. It's more so for gelling together, playing well together. 

"Whoever is on the pitch, making sure that the connection is there. Because that's the only way we're going to win the game.

"Not by trying to compete with your own teammate. We don't think like that.”

He continued: "There's always competition but that's not the most important thing. I think the most important thing is being able to play well together.

"It doesn't matter who it is up front and I think that's the main thing that we need to consider, not the competition that's here.

"We know we all have talent and we are all good players and we can contribute. 

"But, at the same time, can you contribute while playing together?

"I think that's something we've been more focused on and so far it's been working and it's good to see.”

Bailey, who has struggled to hit the same heights of last season when he netted 14 times in all competitions, set up Asensio’s second of the match against Cardiff to seal Villa’s progress to the Cup quarter-finals.

The Spain international, who joined Villa on loan from Paris St-Germain on deadline day had earlier opened the scoring when he swept home Rashford’s pull-back.

Rashford equalled his own career-best by creating six chances in the match, while three-time Champions League winner Asensio has now scored four goals in two starts.

“He's a quality player,” said Bailey. “He was a player I also admired even before coming here. To have him here is amazing and to be able to help the team as much as he is, it's amazing.

"I don't really study players. I never studied players. I knew of him and he was someone that I respected.

"He's a quality player when he's on the ball and it's good to have him in the team and showcasing his qualities.”

Villa are back in action when they face Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday night and while the schedule has been hectic, Bailey acknowledged it has helped the club’s new boys settle more quickly.

“When you play more with the players consistently, people get to know each other better and faster,” he explained.

“I think it's going well so far and hopefully it can click in every moment that we need it to click.”