Dean Smith told of three star players who can take Villa to next level

Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins celebrate Aston Villa goal

Charlie Nicholas insists Aston Villa new boy Leon Bailey can soon become a regular in the side following his top performance against Everton on Saturday.

Bailey impressed massively on his third performance in a Villa shirt on Saturday, netting and providing an assist after coming off the bench.

The Jamaican has accumulated praise from pundits and fans alike since his stunning performance at the weekend, and Charlie Nicholas seemed considerably impressed.

“I thought he was excellent. I know the Villa fans have been talking about this lad for a while, and they were just waiting for the right time to put him into the side,” he said on the Wheres Jeff? Podcast.

Bailey is, however, still adjusting to life in the Premier League. Indeed, his three appearances so far have all come off the bench. Nicholas, though, believes he will be a starter in the near future.

“The manager is probably sat there now saying ‘I’ve got another one, I’ve picked another one’. He’ll eventually be a starter, he’ll be a starter eventually,” he said.

Nicholas also believes the strike will have given Bailey some much needed confidence amid joining a new team.

“Bailey, you’re right, it was a brilliant finish. He didn’t think too long about it, he just wanted to get his laces through it and it will do him the world of good,” he said.

Aston Villa Transfer Review

Aston Villa Transfer Review

We take a look into Aston Villa's activity after losing their captain Jack Grealish.

The pundit also had praise for fellow summer signing Danny Ings, and his strike partner Ollie Watkins. The latter arrived at the club in a then club-record deal the previous summer.

“I think Ollie Watkins looks sharp and that partnership with Danny Ings who is intelligent, could be a real strength,” he said.

Pastures new for Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith

The signings of Bailey, Ings and Emilano Buendia came amid the sale of club captain Jack Grealish to Manchester City.

Some fans were concerned that the money from the Grealish sale would not be put to good use. However, all of the permanent summer signings seem to have hit the ground running.

The trio have a combined total of four goals and three assists so far this season. Indeed they have massively contributed to Villa’s solid start to the season.

The recruitment by Smith and his staff has been impressive. Furthermore, the attacking options at Villa Park will be the envy of many sides in the Premier League.

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