Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Wed 3 June 2026 8:10, UK

Leeds United winger Daniel James put in a stellar performance on Tuesday, as Wales played out a 1-1 draw with Ghana in Cardiff.

It has been a difficult season for the Leeds ace, who has suffered from injuries throughout.

The winger made 19 appearances in the Premier League this past season, though only six came from the start, with 553 minutes registered.

He does remain a key outlet for his national team, though, after his stunning goal against Bosnia in March gave Craig Bellamy’s side hopes of World Cup qualification.

Looking to recover from a disappointing campaign, James has remained true to his word after his recent comments.

Daniel James made a pledge to Leeds United after disappointing season

After playing a huge part in Leeds’ ascent to the top flight last May, the 28-year-old has struggled in the Premier League through no fault of his own.

Failing to score or provide an assist, James has spent the entirety of the campaign recovering from various knocks that have seen him miss months at a time.

Despite the Welsh not qualifying for the World Cup, Bellamy’s side are taking part in friendlies, with the second to come against Romania after playing out a 1-1 draw with Ghana.

Speaking this week, James said he is using Wales’ friendlies as a chance to build his fitness for Leeds.

“Coming into these games, I can use it as fuel into next season. I’m looking forward to both games,” he added.

Your @EE Player of the Match… Dan James 👏 pic.twitter.com/i7bRXXwLDZ

— Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Cymru) June 2, 2026

And based on his performance, he is more than ready to begin kicking on at Elland Road next term.

Picking up the Player of the Match award, James would be a constant thorn in the Ghanaians’ side.

Taking the most shots (four) and registering the most touches in the opposition box (nine), he would be the most threatening man in what was a relatively blunt attack on the night.

Leeds teammate Ethan Ampadu would also put in another stable performance on the night, while it would be Lewis Koumas who provided the moment in front of goal, heading home from a Neco Williams cross to level the scores in the 93rd minute.

What does future hold for James at Leeds?

With James’ Leeds career in mind, it would be brutally unfair to see him discarded after a season like this.

In truth, he has been lapped by some of his teammates, but that does not mean he is without a future at Elland Road.

On his day, the Welshman is capable of turning defence into attack in a matter of moments – something somewhat stripped away from him as he continued to get back up to speed at the back end of the season.

He is not going to be the first name on the teamsheet, but he can more than provide when called upon in an impact role, coming on against tired legs, while he covers for the guaranteed starters in the early cup rounds.