Media react to Dan James display as Leeds United loanee plays one hour for Wales v Croatia
Leeds United loanee Dan James played 64 minutes as Wales earned a superb point against Croatia in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier.
James, currently on loan from Leeds to Premier League rivals Fulham was replaced just after the hour mark by Nathan Broadhead, who scored a 93rd-minute equaliser in the 1-1 draw.
The media have since reacted to James’s performance, with the attacker hoping he did enough to impress boss Rob Page to warrant a start against Latvia on Tuesday (28 March).
Wales Online noted that James’s “composure evaded him” when presented with a chance on the hour mark after being picked out by Harry Wilson at the back post, with the Leeds loanee volleying the ball over the net.
The Guardian went a step further by explaining that James “should have scored” from the opportunity, with Sky Sports also highlighting the miss: “Wilson located James unmarked at the far post but the winger snatched at his volley and failed to find the target.”
And offering its analysis on James, Wales on Sunday (26 March, page two of pull-out) rated James 4/10 and said: “Tracked back to help his teammates out and looked OK on the counter but his final ball continues to make your teeth itch. Snatched at Wales’ best chance, albeit a difficult one. Subbed.”
Underwhelming
It’s not the first time in his career that James has failed to wow the media, with the attacker’s career quickly dwindling towards mediocrity for club and country.
In fairness to the 25-year-old, he has tried to reignite his Premier League career with the temporary move from Elland Road to Craven Cottage, but the loan has not quite gone to plan.
The winger was handed minutes at the beginning of his loan spell, but has barely featured in recent times. He has played in just three of the club’s last nine Premier League matches, and even then, has been handed just 28 minutes in those three games.
That said, James is seemingly still a key part of Page’s Wales team, but will be slightly worried at having watched his replacement Broadhead steal all the headlines against Croatia.
The forward’s pace and direct running are a real threat, but his final ball is not quite there at the minute, with many wondering if it ever will be. He has just two goals and zero assists in 21 club matches this season.
In other Leeds United news, Whites midfielder Weston McKennie has been left gushing over what Chelsea attacker Christian Pulisic did on international duty.