Micah Richards wowed by ‘outstanding’ Dan James as Leeds left kicking themselves
Micah Richards has been scratching his head after seeing Leeds United’s unbeaten run in the Championship come to an end with a 1-0 defeat against Portsmouth on Sunday.
Leeds suffered their first Championship loss since November as a 61st-minute Colby Bishop goal saw Pompey claim all three points at Fratton Park on 9 March.
This came as a shock to many as Daniel Farke’s side had beaten Watford, Sunderland and Sheffield United in their previous four games.
Having also dropped points against West Brom last weekend, the Whites have allowed the Blades to go level with them at the top of the table, while Burnley have reduced the gap to just two points.
Richards hails Dan James, tips hat to Ao Tanaka
Looking back at Leeds’ recent run of games, Richards explained that they will be kicking themselves for allowing Portsmouth to end their “amazing” run and letting their lead at the top of the table slip.
The pundit, though, waxed lyrical about Dan James after being impressed by his performances this season, describing his “outstanding”.
| Matches | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
| 30 | 2178′ | 10 | 9 | 4 |
He also tipped his hat to Ao Tanaka for his influence in midfield.
“Leeds have been on an amazing run”, Richards said on the Rest is Football (10 March).
“I think they won against Watford with a big score, it was 4-0, then they beat Sunderland and then they went to Sheffield United and beat Sheffield 3-1, late goals.
“Then you’re thinking, ‘Can you back it up against West Brom at home?’.
“They drew that game and then you go to Portsmouth and you lose. There were so many chances in the game as well.
“They’ll be kicking themselves now because when you watch them this season in terms of their squad and who they could introduce off the bench and the style of football… Dan James has been outstanding this season, honestly.
“They’ve got Tanaka in midfield, really good.”
James thriving at Leeds
It is no surprise that Richards has been blown away by James’ performances for Leeds this season as the Wales international has been in fine form for Farke’s side.
The former Manchester United winger has bagged 10 goals and nine assists in 30 Championship appearances this season, thus establishing himself as an important figure in the West Yorkshire outfit’s promotion push.
Farke will be hoping that the 27-year-old can continue firing on all cylinders between now and the end of the season as the Whites look to secure promotion without having to playoffs.
James has not been on the scoresheet in Leeds’ last four league games, but will be looking to set that record straight when they face Millwall at Elland Road on Wednesday (12 March).