Leeds Manager Farke Commends James’ Key Contributions

Daniel Farke, manager of Leeds United, has commended Wales winger Dan James following his significant performance in the team’s 3-1 win against Middlesbrough on Tuesday. James has accumulated 26 goal contributions across 57 Championship appearances for Leeds. During his 100th appearance for the club, James scored the pivotal goal that gave his side a 2-1 lead and was instrumental in Leeds’ two other goals. This performance underscored the 27-year-old’s essential role in the Whites’ campaign for promotion from the Championship. Farke stated, “Since I am his manager, Dan has always chipped in with end product, with goals and assists, and I know that was a criticism of him in his former years.” James was acquired for £25 million from Manchester United in the summer of 2021 by then-Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa. However, he managed only four goals in his inaugural season and failed to fully impress. Consequently, he was sent on a season-long loan to Fulham the following season, where he started only five league matches. Nevertheless, since his return to Elland Road under Farke in the Championship, James has registered 17 goals and nine assists in 57 league appearances. Out of those 17 goals, 13 have been either the first or second goal for his team, indicating his reliability for Leeds. Farke commented, “Dan chips in at decisive moments. A 5-0 or 6-0 goal is nice, but not that important. He scores the first goal or the 2-1 – decisive goals.” Farke further added, “He is always open to develop and to improve. He always puts a shift in and is important for our pressing and our counter-attacks. What he has done for us as a club is excellent and he’s a top-class human being. We’re all happy that we have him.”