Fulham never really saw it, but Daniel Farke hopes Daniel James' return to Craven Cottage can mark the start of the Leeds United winger rediscovering his best form.
Hull-born James has had a slow start to 2025-26 – not what the Whites needed in a transfer window where they fail to land the two extra attackers manager Farke wanted, or the player himself as he looks to prove he can cut it in the top flight.
James has been outstanding for two Championship seasons but his last in the Premier League was on loan at Fulham – Saturday's hosts – and yielded five league starts, two goals and an assist.
His overall top-flight record with Swansea City, Manchester United, Leeds and the Cottagers is 78 starts, 31 substitute appearances, 12 goals and 13 assists.
He returns to Fulham aged 27, in his prime and much-improved, especially in front of goal.
"I hope he's a better player working with me for two years!" chuckled Farke.
"I think he has grown a lot in his personality because he's not the young, potential player any more, he's a proven, mature player.
"Not by speeches but by his whole behaviour he's taken on more and more responsibility."
NOT 100 PER CENT: Daniel James is yet to find full fitness with Leeds United this season (Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)placeholder image
NOT 100 PER CENT: Daniel James is yet to find full fitness with Leeds United this season (Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
By the same token, Farke admits it is a while since Leeds last saw him at his best.
"He had a little bit of a difficult time in recent months because he missed the end of last season with injury (picked up at Easter), then pre-season was a bit interrupted with injury," reflected Farke.
"As an offensive player you need the confidence in your body and perfect rhythm to be creative enough to score goals and (make) assists.
"It's important he shakes off the difficult periods he had in pre-season and at the end of last season to find his best level again.
LOAN STINT: Daniel James spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Fulham (Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)placeholder image
LOAN STINT: Daniel James spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Fulham (Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
"If he does so, he will be an important player for us in the upcoming weeks.
"He was the only one of my players who was involved in a competitive game on Tuesday (playing for Wales at home to Canada) – he was involved for 90 minutes.
"We have to wait and see how he will recover because he is not at 100 per cent yet.
"We will work hard with him in the upcoming days and weeks. It helps that we have just one game per week, not that I like that we are out of the Carabao Cup.
"For some of my players it's definitely beneficial that we can work with them on the training pitch because we definitely need Daniel James back at his best."