Neil Warnock shares what he told Leeds United’s ‘breath of fresh air’ Dan James
Dan James has become one of the most important players at Leeds United this season.
The Wales international had a positive campaign last season as he netted 13 and assisted seven in the Championship.
Despite this, the 27-year-old found himself cast aside as the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter took the headlines at Elland Road.
The prolific duo departed during the summer and now the former Manchester United winger has shown his quality and has caught the eye.
Neil Warnock shares love for Leeds United star Dan James
Joel Piroe may have more goal involvements than the wide man but has arguably been less important to the Whites’ form than the Welshman.
This campaign, James has contributed with 10 goals and six assists as Daniel Farke’s side sit top of the Championship.
With the positive form of the LS11 club, there has been a whole host of top performers but Neil Warnock has picked out the former Swansea man.
Speaking on talkSPORT (7:45am, 14 February), he said: “My favourite player in that team is Daniel James.
“Even when he wasn’t playing in the playoffs I pulled him on the pitch after the game and I said ‘Daniel lad, you are the type of player I would love to have managed.’
“His attitude, he’s always wanting to get at defenders, it’s a breath of fresh air.”
Dan James catches the eye for Leeds United
Despite having plenty of star quality last campaign, it is the unity and positive squad depth that has helped Farke this campaign.
Adding Manor Solomon to the wing has proven to be a masterstroke while also having the electric James on the other flank.
It says a lot that this duo have kept Wilfried Gnonto out of the side despite how highly rated he was during his spell in the Premier League.
The Italy international may be hopeful of returning to that level if promotion is secured but as it stands, he will have plenty of work to do to displace his Welsh teammate.
This says a lot about James and how well he has done to establish himself as a starting regular despite struggles earlier in his career at Elland Road.
With that being said, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Warnock would appreciate the winger as he sums up how the English manager wanted his teams to play.
It is a huge compliment to receive as his high intensity and desire would suit the former Sheffield United boss’ sides well.