Gabby Agbonlahor knows what’s required to be a success at Aston Villa, and he’s had his say on the underwhelming performances from one current ace.
The former Villa captain and stalwart who made 395 appearances for the club (transfermarkt) over a 12-year period, will almost certainly be enjoying their renaissance under Unai Emery.
When the Spaniard took over the reins from Steven Gerrard, Villa were perilously close to the relegation places, and in a relatively short space of time, he’s brought the glory days back to Villa Park.
Gabby Agbonlahor wants more effort from one Villa man
Perhaps none better than the Champions League night when they toppled European giants, Bayern Munich.
Known as a serious student of the game and a diligent worker, Emery has made even more demands in order to get the maximum from his players.
Not everyone appears to be singing from the same hymn sheet, however.
Agbonlahor appears to have reserved his ire for £120,000 per week (Capology) forward, Leon Bailey.
Leon Bailey I need more man I really need a lot more ???????
— Ga11agbon (@ga11agbon) October 22, 2024
‘Leon Bailey I need more man I really need a lot more,’ he wrote on X.
It’s clear from the tone of Agbonlahor’s message that he’s expecting Bailey to show as much effort and commitment as his team-mates.
Emery has shown that he will not be backwards in coming forwards in terms of benching under-performing stars, and that’s undoubtedly something Bailey will need to bear in mind moving forward.
It’s very much a squad game for Villa this season, with so many more high-level games to play than they’ve had to deal with of late.

 
How the club manage to deal with that added load will ultimately author how successful the Midlands-based outfit will be this season.
For Emery, nothing less than 100 percent will evidently do, and the example he’s setting to his players should be enough for the likes of Leon Bailey et al to up their own game.