Farke reveals how ‘crucial’ Dan James has hit new heights for Leeds United
Daniel Farke has revealed what has elevated Dan James into his flying form at Leeds United.
James has been the driving force behind the Whites’ superb Championship form which leaves them perched atop the table, with 10 goals and six assists this season so far.
The Wales winger, 27, has taken outrageous levels of acclaim for his match-winning displays, and his manager has explained what has taken him to the next level.
Farke explains Leeds United impact on James
Farke explained the ingredients for James’ improved performances on the field in recent weeks and months when speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post (13 February).
The German thanked his backroom staff for how they have developed James at Thorp Arch and honed his skills even further to make him a “crucial” impact player towards promotion.
Farke believes the key to the wideman’s success so far is down to how receptive he is to the guidance of his coaching team and the way he implements advice into his game.
“I was always a big, big fan of Dan James, of his skills, but also of his character. And of course, there was always criticism about him in terms of end products, goals and assists, but we have worked on this topic,” he said.
“But the most important topic is that he is also open to improve, and he’s also a player when you work with him, when you give him trust when you give him backing, you give him a few details how he can improve his game, he’s always open and on it in order to execute it in this way.
“I think his work ethic and his workload on the training pitch at Thorp Arch is crucial.”
Dan James is the Championship’s best player right now
In terms of form, impact and the maximisation of ability, one doesn’t have to look far beyond James at this present moment to judge the best player in the Championship.
Should Leeds complete their mission and reach the Premier League at the second time of asking, a massive reason will be their diminutive, roaring rapid Welshman.
James will have felt the weight of Elland Road upon his shoulders as the season began, having watched the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Archie Gray head for the top flight.
But he has jumped into the responsibility and relished it, and is now part of a dynamic attacking output alongside the likes of Joel Piroe, Brenden Aaronson and Manor Solomon.
Farke now appears to recognise his best team and Leeds are bearing fruit from that settled nature of their squad. They show no signs of stopping as the campaign approaches the business end, and neither does their number seven.
With Sunderland and Sheffield United up next, eyes will be on the likes of James to make the difference.