Daniel Farke handed selection headache by Dan James at Leeds United
Daniel Farke handed selection headache by Dan James at Leeds United

Leeds United: Daniel Farke has a selection headache after what Dan James did for Wales

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Leeds United currently boast the fourth-most potent attacking lineup in the Championship this season, only being outscored by Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton.

The free-flowing goals in the attacking third, alongside the most tight-shut defence in the second tier, have meant Daniel Farke's Leeds side have overtaken the Foxes at the top of the Championship table.

While Crysencio Summerville has always occupied the left-wing position at Elland Road, the opposite flank seems up for grabs right now, with Wilfried Gnonto taking over from Dan James in recent weeks.

Can Dan James replace Wilfried Gnonto for Leeds United?

The Welshman started the season in brilliant fashion, with his form continuing as the Whites have pushed towards Premier League promotion, registering 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

However, in recent weeks, Farke has turned his attention to Gnonto, who has won back hearts at Elland Road after his well-publicised efforts to depart the club last summer.

James has started just once since assisting the only goal in Leeds' 1-0 victory against Norwich City on Wednesday 24 January, being shoved to the bench by the Italian winger, who has been in fine form himself.

The 20-year-old has scored twice in his last two starts, netting against Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall, but Farke may need to rethink his lineup ahead of a clash with Watford on Friday 29 March.

James, who is away on international duty with Wales, came on as a substitute against Finland on Thursday 21 March, using his incredible pace to latch onto a defensive error and cement his nation's place in the Euro 2024 playoff finals.

Nathan Blake reacted to the moment, as the 26-year-old rounded Lukas Hradecky and slot home to make it 4-1 to Wales, dubbing the winger "brilliant" during his 20-minute cameo.

It appears that, whichever manager chooses to bench the Leeds star, James feels the need to prove himself once given the opportunity, and Farke may decide to put his trust back in him over Gnonto when club football returns at the end of the month.

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