Dan James came on as a substitute for Leeds United against Millwall and might play an important role going forward.
Dan James’ natural place within the Leeds United fold hasn’t always been obvious. Since joining Leeds from Manchester United in 2021, the Wales international has filled a variety of roles.
James has spent time up front, in the hole, on the left and on the right without really finding any traction, and it was that lack of form that led to his loan transfer to Fulham last season. As a result, this campaign was always going to be important for him on his return to West Yorkshire as he attempts to finally leave his mark in white, and it appears that he’s going about it the right way.
Unfortunately, the winger has missed a few games due to injuries this season, but his past two performances have been impressive. In August, he impressed against West Bromwich Albion, finding space down the left wing and setting up the Whites’ equalizer with a superb ball to the back post for Luke Ayling to head home.
However, his performance against Millwall suggested that James had found his purpose under Daniel Farke, coming off the bench and ripping through the Lions’ stretched backline to take the game away from them. The 25-year-old’s inclusion on the bench at The Den was not unexpected, with Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville the established wing duo under the German for the time being.
Farke, on the other hand, used him to perfection, bringing him into the game in the 69th minute, precisely as Millwall were pushing men forward and taking risks in search of an equalizer. James went to work on the right side right away, seizing the space with his speed and carrying the Whites out.
Leeds’ second goal came via James’ breakaway ability, as he surged into the box before combining with Georginio Rutter. He then found Joel Piroe unmarked at the back post with what appeared to be a scuffed shot, and the Dutchman converted.
James was also involved in Leeds’ third goal, as his break resulted in Rutter’s second of the season. Indeed, the winger appears to be made for the super sub role he played against Millwall, with his pace and enthusiasm wreaking havoc on worn legs, especially on the road when Leeds will have more space to work with.
Unfortunately, such effect may work against him in terms of starting for the Whites in the coming weeks, but when the game is stretched and Leeds require an infusion of dynamism off the bench, Farke will not go much farther than James. That much is clear: the former Swansea City player will play an important part this season.
