Leeds United have surprise man of the moment after Championship successes
Leeds United are right on track to achieve their ultimate goal of promotion, with one man playing the starring role this season.
Off the back of Leeds’ 4-0 hammering of Watford, the Whites now have an eight-point cushion in the race for automatic promotion, albeit having played an extra game.
Aside from the occasional blip, Daniel Farke’s side have run a rampage in the Championship this season with their best form coming as of late with 13 goals scored in their last three league meetings.
While it has been a team effort, with several contributors, one man has stood out in particular and has been the main driving force behind the successes they have achieved so far.
Dan James is the man of the moment at Leeds United
James was exceptional against the Hornets, but his performances at large throughout the campaign have been nothing short of exemplary, and given the players among the Whites squad, it’s somewhat of a surprise to see him become arguably the most important player.
If you were to ask 100 Championship supporters to name the best player this season, very few would respond with the Welshman’s name, just showcasing how underappreciated he has been by many this campaign.
Off the back of scoring a brace against Watford, James now has 16 goal contributions this season and may feel he could have had several more.
While players like Manor Solomon have been remarkable, and Ao Tanaka irreplaceable, James has been the unrecognised driving force behind the success this season.
His pace and ability on the ball have usually been the two main assets identified as his strengths, but his product in the final third has improved significantly from last campaign and he looks all but set to beat the 20-goal contributions he had to his name.
Premier League beckons for Leeds United
The next few weeks will paint a clearer picture of the promotion ace with encounters against Sheffield Unietd and Sunderland approaching, but things are looking remarkably positive for Leeds.
The point advantage they have matched with the astounding form of the side currently makes promotion look destined and after last season’s disappointment, it will be more than deserved.
Of course, there is still a long way to go yet, but say it quietly, Leeds look likely to be a Premier League club next season.