Leeds United commentator stunned by what Dan James did in 3-2 win over Middlesbrough, pundit admits ‘it really happened’
Tony Dorigo had to reassure a stunned Bryn Law that “it really happened” when Dan James scored a back-post header to draw Leeds United level with Middlesbrough on 2 December.
The pundit reacted live on the LUTV commentary as the Welsh winger got on the end of a Sam Byram ball in from the left to equalise in the third minute following Emmanuel Latte Lath’s early opener, with the wide man’s size apparently leaving the commentator in disbelief at what he had seen.
The madcap opening at Elland Road got even better just two minutes later as the similarly diminutive Crysencio Summerville scored a header of his own at the other post to put the Whites ahead on the way to a chaotic 3-2 victory over Michael Carrick’s men.
Dorigo said in the wake of James’ goal (4.41pm): “Sam Byram here, I thought, ‘Where is he going?’ Well, he knew exactly where he was going, in behind the defence to chip it up at the back post.
“And the mighty Dan James, all five foot six or seven of him, gets above the defender and knocks it down into the bottom corner. It really is a brilliant response from what has been yet again a poor start but the boys really have got some gumption and spirit.”
A stunned Law said: “Dan James. A the back post. With a header. Beating two defenders. Wow.”
“It really happened Bryn.” replied Dorigo. “It really happened.”
Top form
There were times over the past couple of years where James, 26, looked like he would never live up to the £25million fee paid to Manchester United three summers ago [Sky Sports].
When he was shunted off to Fulham on loan last season after Jesse Marsch decided he had no use for him, having frequently been pressed into ineffective emergency use up front under Marcelo Bielsa, it looked like he might not even play for Leeds United again.
But that all seems a long time ago now that he is one of the first names in the starting XI for Daniel Farke, albeit in the second tier.
James is surely benefiting from his first sustained run in his preferred position at the club in two and a half seasons, and with five league goals in his past seven appearances, from a total of six with four assists, he has a solid claim to be the best player in the Whites squad at the moment.
His resurgence, along with Summerville’s form, has left Willy Gnonto, long expected to be a star this season, feeding on scraps in terms of game time and Leeds slowly clawing back the deficit to Leicester and Ipswich at the top of the table.
And he was the pick of an outstanding attacking unit in the dramatic win over Boro this weekend, where they needed to be on their game as the defence, usually so assured now, failed to turn up.
In other Leeds United news, Liam Cooper is still in the dark at Elland Road over the 49ers plans for him says Phil Hay.