Asked in the summer to examine who in the Leeds United team would be key to Daniel Farke's plans this season in the Premier League, our Leeds United reporter Isaac Johnson names Daniel James among Farke's "undroppables". One of the key reasons for Leeds winning promotion after tearing the Championship apart last season, and with plenty of Premier League and international experience to his name, James was an obvious call to be part of Farke's men to build a team around.
Despite a frustrating end to the transfer window that left concern and maybe even a slight sour taste in the mouth for some after failed attempts to bring in attacking reinforcements, Leeds have enjoyed a productive summer window which has seen the squad overhauled somewhat. And yet, while new faces have been added, the assumption Dan James remains a key part of anything Leeds can achieve this season, still remains strong.
And so it was with some concern supporters were noting James' failure to make much of a mark so far on his return to the top flight. Whether the hamstring injury from last season is still causing a bit of an issue, or if it is just the fact Leeds are trying to find their feet as a team, but James is yet to find his form so far this season.
That was repeated this week on the international stage, with his performance for Wales against Jesse Marsch's Canada side, drawing a similar review to his Leeds campaign so far.
"Another player who failed to impress for Wales, struggling to make a major impact on the game, despite his pace, as ever being difficult for any opponent he faces”, was the verdict of Welsh football site Y Clwb Pel Droed.
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With a new contract tucked safely away and the backing of his manager, and everyone at the club for that matter, James will surely come good just as Leeds need him too. The sooner that happens the better for Farke, who will be hoping for a spark when his team come up against Fulham this weekend.
It is because of that failure to add to the squad in the last days of the transfer window that James is potentially not being discussed as someone who could drop out the team, but unless there is an upturn in his form in the next couple of games this summer's "undroppable" could find himself warming the bench.