Dan James finds ‘big bonus’ at Leeds United after Wales heartbreak ahead of Watford – Phil Hay
Dan James and his Welsh teammates should benefit from a “big bonus” at Leeds United after their penalty shootout heartbreak on international duty, says Phil Hay.
The quartet of James, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Connor Roberts were involved for their country on Tuesday (26 March), missing out on a place at Euro 2024 to Poland as the Whites winger missed the crucial spot kick, but The Athletic’s Hay told The Square Ball (29 March) that the intensity of the promotion fight at Leeds United could be the ideal distraction to walk straight back into.
Daniel Farke’s side return to the title race against Watford three days after the international disappointment with the team top of the table, and Hay suggested there might even be a positive reaction from the Welsh players at Vicarage Road.
He said (6m 10s): “Farke had said that he hadn’t actually been in touch with any of them, he just kind of left them to get on with it, which seems to make sense to me.
“It is a big bonus I think that you’re coming straight back into a really, really intense and promising promotion fight. It does, I think, grab your attention straight away to distract them.
“It will be interesting to see in the performance whether you see a bit of frustration from what’s gone on earlier in the week and whether you see big performances from them.”
Leeds United return positive for Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu too
The fact that Connor Roberts returned from international duty carrying a slight injury aside it is probably the ideal situation for the Welsh contingent in the circumstances.
They won’t have time to dwell on a major disappointment as every game is essentially a must win with plenty on the line.
But in contrast to the past two seasons it is at the right end of the Championship table, following two Premier League relegation battles.
Leicester City’s defeat at Bristol City earlier in the day could provide even more of a boost since it provides the opportunity to go clear in the pursuit of the title and an immediate return to the top flight.
Were the four, and James in particular, returning to a mid-table campaign that was fizzling out with little riding on it then the international break could weigh on their minds that much more heavily.
Even so the interval was potentially not ideal full stop, given the momentum that Farke had seen his side build up, so the German will need to ensure that his squad is completely focused on their end goal.
Although fitness concerns are starting to mount the Whites are certainly in the box seat to see out a highly impressive campaign, but nothing is secured yet so they have to pick up where they left off to avoid opening the door to their rivals.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have their eye on a potential deal to sign another “dazzling” new attacker.
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