Daniel Farke has Daniel James weapon to utilise in undoing Manchester City
Daniel James’ season has been marred by injury, and only recently has the Welshman returned from a hamstring injury.
That blow to the winger kept him out of 11 Premier League matches, but over the last three games, he has been part of the squad.
James has only been given 20 minutes of game time since returning, however, and with Leeds in good form, it could be hard to get back into the side.
Overall, he has made just 12 appearances across the Premier League season for the Peacocks.
However, as Farke gears up to host Manchester City at Elland Road, the 28-year-old has one key attribute that could provide the Whites with a way to exploit the Sky Blues.
How can Leeds’ Daniel James exploit Manchester City?
Pep Guardiola’s side tend to play with quite a high line, and with the Citizens likely to hold most of the possession on Saturday, Leeds will be looking to play on the counter.
In order to be efficient with those attacks, the players on the pitch will need to progress through the thirds with a lot of speed.
That is where James comes into play. The Welshman provides plenty of pace out wide and would allow the LS11 outfit to stretch the game.
Farke is unlikely to use James from the first whistle, seeing as he has yet to start since becoming available for selection.
However, even off the bench, against the tired City legs, he could end up being even more impactful for Leeds.
With Aaronson and James down the flanks, Man City would have to second guess their tactics if they are still pushing for a goal.
Just how fast is Leeds winger James?
James has always been known for his speed, and this season he has not slowed down at all.
The Welshman is in the top 10 highest speeds reached according to the Premier League, where he was clocked in at 36.13 kilometres per hour.
| Player | Top speed (km/h) |
| Tchatchoua (WOL) | 37.30 |
| Tchatchoua (WOL) | 36.97 |
| Udogie (TOT) | 36.42 |
| Elanga (NEW) | 36.35 |
| Mbeumo (MUN) | 36.34 |
| Neto (CHE) | 36.32 |
| Gordon (NEW) | 36.26 |
| Frimpong (LIV) | 36.18 |
| James (LEE) | 36.13 |
| Minteh (BHA) | 36.11 |
With the 28-year-old back and available to play, it certainly gives the Leeds manager plenty more to think about.
James could end up holding the key to delivering a crucial blow to City’s title hopes while also pushing the Whites closer to survival.
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