Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Tue 12 May 2026 7:20, UK

Daniel Farke did not give Dan James fair treatment by playing him at right-wing back in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham, and it could harm his Leeds United prospects moving forward.

The Welshman has been a benchwarmer for the Whites when he’s not been injured this season, seeing rare starts here and there, never getting regular minutes.

Given Noah Okafor’s slight injury, some had hoped to see James replace the former in the forward line, and though he was named in the starting eleven, it was at right-wing back.

It was the first time that the 28-year-old had played this role in his club career, and it was pretty easy to see that.

James’ Elland Road future is already uncertain, as the rare start against Tottenham may have been his last one in Leeds colours.

This is why Dan James may never start for Leeds again

James was predicted to start up front for Leeds, but was never in line to play the whole game with his injury issues.

You would think that given his lack of fitness, Farke would have then carefully thought about where to play James.

Instead, the Whites boss decided to play the winger in a position where you have to do arguably the most running on the pitch, while having little of the ball.

Not only that, but James was exposed defensively, having to chip in with contributions that are all the biggest flaws in his game.

It almost felt like a ploy for Farke to say “well I told you so” ahead of James possibly being sold for funds this summer.

While it’s no surprise that the forward has been linked with an LS11 departure, it’s never been suggested because of his quality on the pitch, more so his fitness issues.

With that said, Farke didn’t give him a fair run out that he deserved, and it looks like he’s thrown him under the bus.

Could Wilfried Gnonto now get his chance?

Leeds’ Premier League survival has been confirmed, and the celebrations at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after the final whistle were nice to see.

James was given his chance to start, and was replaced by Wilfried Gnonto after 63 minutes, as the Italian looked lively when he came on.

The 22-year-old has also been linked with a Leeds exit this summer, but is another who has found game time hard to come by.

With two Premier League games remaining, it would be no surprise to see Farke test further experiments, as it would be a crime if he didn’t give Gnonto one final start.