‘Electrifying’ Dan James could ‘frighten’ defenders for Leeds United – Sky Sports pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Dan James would be an “electrifying” addition to Leeds United’s Championship campaign next season but he has a lot to prove following his “difficult” loan spell at Fulham, according to Paul Robinson.
Following his £25million move to Leeds in 2021 [Sky Sports], James struggled to become a regular at Elland Road and was shipped on loan to Fulham. After underwhelming last season, the Welshman looks set to revive his career in the second tier.
However, the 25-year-old possesses some high-quality attributes including his rapid pace and dribbling ability, which if utilised effectively could make him a force to be reckoned with in the Championship next season.
Robinson claims that while James has the profile to be a genuine threat and “frighten” Championship defenders, he must prove his worth again soon if he wants to become a regular starter for Daniel Farke.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “He’s got a lot to prove Dan James. I think he went out on loan last year and didn’t play as much football as he wanted to.
“He came with huge expectations and for varying reasons, whether it was his own performance, whether it’s manager’s preferences, he didn’t play and he didn’t hit the expected levels that people would want of him.
“It was a difficult season for him in all honesty when he first came in because Patrick Bamford was injured and they were struggling for a number nine.
“Dan James’ versatility was probably to his detriment. He was playing as a number nine. He was playing out wide and I don’t think he got a settled place in the team.
“I don’t think he’s a false nine and I think that was probably one of the reasons that he didn’t perform to the level that he did.
“He’s got electrifying pace, which will be a huge asset in the Championship. Championship defenders won’t be relishing the opportunity to play against him.
“If you play him regularly and get him fit week in and week out, play him regularly and play him out wide. But then it’s, it’s all a case of shaping your squad. You’re not going to know who’s going to be there.
“With the likes of Willy Gnonto and (Luis) Sinisterra potentially leaving, it’s in those types of areas that he’s looking at playing. But is he going to get in ahead of those players? Are those players still going to be at the club?
“I personally think Dan James would do a great job for Leeds in the Championship simply because of his electrifying pace.
“If you can channel his enthusiasm, his effort and his energy could be all over the pitch.
“But if you can channel that into a wide area with his pace where he can frighten defenders, I think he’d be a good acquisition in the Championship.”
In other Leeds United news, following his successful Luton Town loan last season, Cody Drameh must prove himself in his final pre-season matches to be in contention for a starting position.