Leeds, Middlesbrough badges and Lee Hendrie
Lee Hendrie was stunned in Leeds United v Middlesbrough. (Credit: Sky Sports)
Danny Wright
Wed 11 December 2024 7:10, UK
Lee Hendrie was blown away by Daniel James’ work ethic as Leeds United won 3-1 versus Middlesbrough at Elland Road on Tuesday night.
James, 27, isn’t really known for his defensive work but after Middlesbrough charged forward following a failed first-half free-kick by Leeds, the Welshman was called upon to stop Ben Doak in his tracks before he was able to create any kind of chance at goal.
Doak, 19, was just sprinting into the Leeds box with the ball when James charged back and intercepted the ball from the Liverpool loanee. Sky Sports commentator Gary Weaver said the ex-Manchester United forward “appeared from nowhere” to win back possession.
Former Aston Villa star Hendrie was amazed by what he saw from James on Sky Sports Main Event (08:29pm, 10 December), saying: “How good is that by Dan James? You don’t see him back there very often, do you?
“Absolutely brilliant defending.
“There was a real danger on there with Doak.”
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BBC Sport journalist Adam Lanigan also wrote about James’ defensive play on the BBC Sport website. He said: “A first little glimmer of space for Ben Doak down the Middlesbrough wing for the on-loan Liverpool player to attack.
“But as he gets into the box, who is there to dispossess him but Leeds’ Wales winger Dan James.
“His cross provided Willy Gnonto’s goal, but that contribution is equally valuable.
“And it’s acknowledged as such by the Elland Road crowd.
“Modern-day wingers can’t simply only play in the opposition half, can they?”
Dan James does the unexpected in Leeds v Middlesbrough
Leeds fans were on their feet at Elland Road as James tracked back to save the day against Middlesbrough.
It was a sensational performance by the Welshman, who bagged a deserved goal in the second half to top off his game.
The 27-year-old now has four goals in 14 Championship appearances this season.
Truth be told, he should have more.
Dan James
Leeds United and Wales attacker Dan James [Credit: Imago].
Daniel Farke’s side isn’t quite sent out to go all-out-attack. However, they’re easily the best attacking team in the division and a player with James’ quality and experience should be getting on the scoresheet more often.
Basic goal and assist stats are easy to look at though and easy to make assumptions from because the former Swansea winger usually always chips in with things like he did to stop Doak getting a goal or assist against the Whites on Tuesday night.
In other Leeds United news, this £30,000-a-week player looks finished at Elland Road – much to the relief of Paraag Marathe.
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