Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Tue 24 March 2026 8:40, UK

Dan James has no choice but to shine for Wales in a bid to get him more Leeds United game time.

This season has largely been one of frustration for James, with the winger struggling with injuries, form, and first-team action.

The 28-year-old has made just 17 appearances for Daniel Farke’s side in all competitions this term, with the winger yet to register a single goal contribution.

A hamstring injury kept him sidelined for all of December and January, and since then, he has lived off cameo scraps in the Premier League.

And as Wales gear up for a World Cup semi-final play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday, James may feel that he has to shine for his country to boost his chances of becoming a prominent fixture again at Leeds.

Dan James falls down pecking order

James was lethal in the Championship for Leeds, notching 41 goal contributions in 76 matches over two seasons.

The former Manchester United man’s speed was too hot to handle at Championship level but you need more than that to thrive in the Premier League.

As Sofacore points out, James has created just one big chance, is averaging 0.5 key passes per game, and his crossing accuracy is way down at 12 per cent.

That is simply not good enough at Premier League level. Moreover, James has been a victim of Leeds’ 3-5-2 formation change, with Farke now prioritising wing-backs over wingers.

In this current setup, James is no longer a key player. In fact, his last start came back on 29 November in a 3-2 loss to Manchester City.

Time is running out for James to make an impact at Leeds for their relegation fight this season.

But the Bosnia game represents an opportunity. If he can play well in that match and Wales make it through to the play-off final, where they will face either Italy or Northern Ireland, James may get the chance to strut his stuff.

If he can fire Wales to the World Cup, Farke will surely sit up and take notice.

James isn’t Leeds’ only problem

Leeds fans trudged out of Elland Road on Saturday night after witnessing a dire goalless draw with Brentford.

Thankfully for Leeds, West Ham’s loss to Aston Villa means that Farke’s side are now four points clear of the relegation zone.

But Leeds haven’t scored in any of their last four Premier League games. Dominic Calvert-Lewin hasn’t added to his 10-goal total since 6 February, and Lukas Nmecha, Noah Okafor (who has been out injured), and Wilfried Gnonto aren’t setting the world alight, either.

So while James isn’t tearing up trees at Leeds right now, neither are his teammates.

Perhaps Farke needs to switch up his 3-5-2 as teams get to grips with the system that has brought them a good deal of joy over the winter period.

While they have a small buffer zone above the bottom three, a loss at Manchester United on 13 April could see that gap shrink significantly if teams around them win.