Dan James was a standout player for Leeds United last season but after a shaky start this time round, there is another player who could take his starting position.
The Welsh international scored 12 goals for Leeds United last season and nine assists in 36 Championship appearances, he was also named Leeds United’s player of the season.
During pre-season, Leeds United rewarded James with a new contract but he has struggled since then, with a stop-start pre-season after missing the end of last season through injury.
James has started all three of the opening Premier League games so far but is yet to finish one, and Leeds United fans flagged their Dan James concerns after the Newcastle game, saying he was ‘poor’ and questioned his fitness.
Now, there is a player whom Daniel Farke could soon choose over James if he does not improve.
Dan James during Leeds United v Everton.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Jack Harrison’s statistics should worry teammate Dan James
Despite Dan James’ efforts against Newcastle, Daniel Farke chose to bring him off in the second half among three changes, with one being Jack Harrison.
James played 60 minutes, created one chance, had 60% pass accuracy, missed one big chance and was rated 6.6 by FotMob.
He was part of Leeds’ attack that still lacked quality in the final third. One particular incident saw a good cross from Gabriel Gudmundsson but James couldn’t convert and Jayden Bogle got in his way.
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Whereas Harrison entered the field of play with 30 minutes to go and completed the most successful dribbles in the game. He also made five passes into the final third, 26 touches which is six more than James, and FotMob rated him 7.2.
His impact was immediate as he worked hard alongside striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the right-hand side, getting into promising positions.
Despite the game finishing 0-0, Harrison showed himself to be a stronger threat than James, whether through physicality, better positioning, or improved delivery into the box.
Dan James during Leeds United v Newcastle United.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Jack Harrison proving Leeds United fans wrong after return
Jack Harrison returned to Elland Road this season after his loan to fellow Premier League side Everton.
For most fans, Jack Harrison is not someone they have welcomed back to the club with open arms, with Leeds fans booing him during one pre-season friendly.
Before Leeds’ Premier League opener against Everton, Harrison put drinks behind a Leeds bar for fans to enjoy, and after the game a video was shared on Twitter/X of Harrison handing his shirt to a young fan.
This shows his clear efforts to win back the Elland Road faithful, and his performances have reflected that as well.
Yesterday was one of his top performances since his return, giving Dan James a run for his money. If Harrison can continue to be an impactful substitute, he will no doubt become the celebrated player he once was at Elland Road.