Dan James told to ‘beware’ as Wolves vs Leeds United announcement made
Dan James was once involved in a controversial incident for Leeds United back in 2020.
Leeds United travel to face Wolves this weekend, with hopes of picking up their first away win of the season, and their second overall.
Goals have been hard to come by for Daniel Farke’s side, but with an encounter against bottom-placed Wolves, they have a great chance to rectify that.
However, if the Whites are to secure all three points, one area of the game will need to be stamped out after an incident back in 2020.
This article contains an exclusive opinion from former FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
Anthony Taylor booked Dan James for simulation in 2020
Earlier this week, the Premier League announced that Anthony Taylor would officiate Wolves’ encounter with Leeds, and minds were immediately drawn back to a clash against Man United in 2020.
Taylor booked James for simulation when he was playing for the Red Devils, in an incident that left Ole Gunnar Solskjær fuming.
With the experienced official set to take charge of this weekend’s clash at Molineux, Keith Hackett has urged James to prevent it from happening again.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, the former PGMOL chief said: “I do hope that he remembers that and stays on his feet.
“Frankly, Referee Taylor in the last four years has regularly had 30-plus games in the Premier League and has been regularly appointed to top European and World Cup qualifiers. He will, I am sure, have forgotten in that time who he carded during games.
“However, when he is out in the middle, players need to be on their best behaviour.
“One downside to Taylor is that he has, in the past, produced cards like confetti if he feels that the game needs him to clamp down, so players should beware.”
Dan James needs to up his game to thrive at Leeds
Diving aside, James had a superb campaign in the Championship last time out, but has been unable to translate that ability into the top flight.
Not for the first time, either, with the Welshman having previously struggled to cope with the demands of the Premier League throughout his career.
James’ record in the top flight
- 110 Premier League appearances
- 12 goals
- 12 assists
Farke’s treatment of Willy Gnonto has been strange at Leeds, but it is only a matter of time until the Italian cements his place in the starting 11 if James does not show an improvement in his game.
Whether that change is made this weekend remains to be seen, but Farke will certainly have James’ form on his mind.
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