Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media
Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Dan James robbed as Ethan Ampadu only Leeds man named in Team of the Decade so far

Declan Carr

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at Sports Mole and VAVEL; Masters graduate from Liverpool John Moores University. FOCUS Breaking news, long-form analysis, and club-level insight across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Declan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the depth behind the headlines — from breaking news to analytical deep-dives — to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Dan James has been omitted from the Championship Team of the Decade so far in a bizarre snub.

Ethan Ampadu was the only Leeds ace to be named in Simeon Gholam and David Prutton's selection for Sky Sports, which is the supposed best players in the division from 2020 onwards.

James has been a key contributor for the Whites when they have been in the second-tier and the decision to not pick him is strange.

James has struggled to stay fit for Leeds in the Premier League this season, but when it comes to the division below, there are not many better players.

Elland Road
James is beloved at Elland Road. (Credit: Imago)

Who got in instead of Leeds star Dan James?

Leeds star James has been one of the best players in the Championship in the past few seasons, but he was snubbed for a true superstar.

Michael Olise, who now plays for Bayern Munich, and regularly stars in the Champions League, was selected on the right flank.

Michael Olise celebrating for Bayern Munich.
Olise was selected over James. (Credit: Imago)

However, James will surely feel aggrieved to have not been selected, and Peacocks' supporters will be baffled by the developments.

Why James should be in over Olise

Olise had just one season in the division after 2020, before he earned a move to Crystal Palace and then later joined the Bavarian giants.

His seven goals and 12 assists in the 2020-21 season were a decent parting gift to the Royals, but James bettered that in the 2023–24 campaign.

In that season, the Welsh wizard notched 13 goals and seven assists, as the Whites fell short in the race for promotion, losing the play-off final against Southampton.

James' campaign last season, in which he notched 12 goals and nine assists and was named Leeds' Player of the Season over the likes of Ampadu and Ao Tanaka, was one of the most impressive seasons in recent memory.

Olise should not be in there over the LS11 man, he has achieved wonderful things since playing in the division, but that should not factor into the equation.

James is above him on merit when it comes to Championship wingers from 2020 onwards, and the stats prove it.

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