Dan James in a half-Wales, half-Leeds shirt

Dan James Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Wales media absolutely blown away by Dan James as Leeds United winger stuns Norway

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Published on:

02 Oct 2026, 6:10 am

Dan James was the hero as Wales finally got on the board in the UEFA Nations League.

James started alongside Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu, with Norway in Cardiff for game three of the break.

After losing in Portugal and Denmark, Wales deserved a 2-1 victory against the new kids on the block in Europe.

It was James who scored their first, tapping home after a late run into the box to meet Sorba Thomas' cross.

The Elland Road winger was given a huge round of applause after being taken off by Craig Bellamy.

It was a nervy end against 10-men, but Wales got the job done.

How did Wales react to Dan James?

It wasn't just his goal that caught the eye in the Welsh capital.

James was the one brought down by Torbjorn Heggem, racing through on goal before being dragged back.

And no surprise, his speed left people blown away.

BBC Radio Wales coverage loved the winger, with one run in particular catching the eye of Sam Vokes in the second half.

"That is electric pace from Dan James," he said. "No one is catching him in this sort of mood."

Y Clwb Pel-droed rated James an 8/10 on the night, picking out his pace again as the main weapon, also noting his positioning for his goal.

Keith Hackett reacts as Dan James involved in red card controversy in Wales vs Norway

Dan James reintroduces himself

It's been a very frustrating 18 months for the winger.

After firing Leeds back to the Premier League, James then was hit by consistent injuries throughout last season.

Farke could only really call upon him from the bench, with zero goals proving it just wasn't his year.

This time around, the German is putting his faith in the Welsh attacker, whether fans like it or not.

James scored in the Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest, and has made an impact when used in the Premier League.

But, with Harry Wilson to return and Jean-Matteo Bahoya starting to shine, these are the types of performances he needs to be delivering every single week, now.

James has proven he can do it on this stage, but it's about the consistency to really prove it in the Premier League.

He destroyed Norway, now can he do the same against Arsenal and Manchester United?

Harry Wilson