Bad timing on Leverkusen move for Jamaican starlet Leon Bailey

Photo: Jamaican born striker Leon Bailey recently signed for Bayer Leverkusen (Getty Images)

To be considered for the Golden Boy Award and as one of the best players in Europe under the age of 21 years is a huge honour especially as a youngster from the small island of Jamaica. Bayer Leverkusen forward Leon Bailey lost out on the 2016 Golden Boy award to Renato Sanches, however his stocks have risen considerably over the last 12-18 months. The Golden Boy of Belgian Football, Bailey caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs however decided on a move to Germany with Die Werkself in January of this year. Since his move to the Bay Arena, the Jamaican speedster has failed to impose himself on the team and thus far, failed to break into the first 11. With his undoubted ability and qualities, it may be a case of adapting to a new style, but did Bailey and his management team make the best decision over this move?

Described by Ajax assistant manager Ronald De Boer as a player with no weak points, the 19-year-old has the speed and tremendous agility that the modern game demands. His speed in combination with an exceptional technique is quite rear according to De Boer which makes him an exceptional talent in every respect. With such extraordinary qualities and delightful reviews, it comes as no surprise that this Jamaican starlet was on the wish list of many top clubs across Europe. The versatile attacker dominated the Belgian First Division at KRC Genk and carried his domestic form into Europe, hitting the back of the net on four occasions from six appearances. His pace, trickery and ability to ghost in between the lines, make him a tough opposition for any defensive unit.

In order to take his game to the next level, Bailey needed to move to a country with a stronger top flight however it must be a nation whose football is suited to his qualities at this present moment. A move to England is always very enticing for any football player however due to its physical nature, the Premier League was not the best option at this point. At the age of 19 years, the Genk graduate is on perhaps the steepest learning curve of his professional career. This means the his need to play first team football is absolutely critical. In England today, young players have very little room for error and as such could suffer from a lack of playing time. Clubs are spending huge sums of money and owners are demanding quick returns which place the managers under tremendous pressure to deliver results. There is a lot more time invested on setting up teams to get a result rather than helping the players, especially the youngster, to get better.

To develop his trade Bailey and his management staff perhaps knew he wasn’t ready for a move to England and as such moved to Germany which is perhaps the most suitable top flight for the Jamaican forward. In Gemany, there is a strong focus on young players as well as free-flowing attacking football. It is mandatory for teams competing in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 to play in this manner as the German FA seeks to stay ahead in the modern game.

On exhibition, the Bundesliga showcases players with a wonderful technical skillset as well as professionals who have an appreciation in terms of the understanding of their roles on the pitch. The speed and intensity required to play in the German top division is of the highest order in combination with the flair and trickery on offer. The Germans are perhaps the most professional set of professional football players and the foreigners all adapt to their approach. Bailey is blessed with electric pace and a wonderful technique which seems to place him hand-in-hand with the German top flight. The environment is one that is most suitable for him to grow as a player and a person much like Kevin De Bruyne did during his 18 months with Wolfsburg. Once dubbed the next De Bruyne, the 19-year-old could not have asked for a better opportunity to take his game to the next level but he now seems to be struggling to come to grips with the demands of the Bundesliga. Was his move too soon, was the timing not quite right?

After just four appearances from the bench in the Bundesliga since his move in January, it is evident that Bailey is struggling a bit. A winter move for any player can be a bit strange as it requires that player to hit the ground running or face criticism should they fail to make an immediate impact.

A summer move to the Bay Arena may have been a better option since there would be more time for him to settle. During the summer, new players normally go out on tour with their club which presents a great opportunity to know your teammates on a personal level and also on the pitch. It is quite likely that players can share rooms while on tour which presents a good chance to understand the different personalities and to enquire about the culture, the intensity of games and other aspects of the Bundesliga. There is also enough time to get an appreciation and an understanding of how the manager wants his team to play and what is expected of the players with respect to their roles on the pitch. With many preseason friendlies, Bailey would have been able to get a close look on how the team plays in a more relaxed situation and as such would be able to adapt a lot better and get up-to-speed with his new employers.

After the entire preseason, the 19-year-old would perhaps be in much better shape to make an impact on the Bundesliga after becoming acclimatized with the expectations of his manager. With Genk still in the Europa League, it may have been a better situation for Bailey to have stayed in Belgium where he would continue to play and learn more. Playing week after week would have allowed him to grow as a player instead of sitting on the bench at the Bay Arena that can hurt his confidence. Failing to make an impact after almost four months could lead to the Jamaican questioning his ability at that level. However there is more than enough time for him to turn things around.

With the season almost at a close, Bailey must now focus on the summer break and coming back for preseason. It is important for him to stay healthy and have a full preseason where he can make a big case for a place in the first 11 for next season. The fleet-footed attacker has the ability to cause problems for any defence and this is perhaps a ‘kick up the backside’ that was needed for him to put in a bit more effort. Like many experts have said, this rough patch on his journey is just a test of his character and can only make him or break him.