Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has provided an exciting update on returning star Dan James as he looks to make his mark on the Premier League.
Dan James played a crucial role in Leeds’ promotion back to the Premier League, as his electric pace proved too much for most Championship defences to handle.
However, the Wales international picked up an injury before the most recent international break, which has limited his impact for the Whites in recent weeks.
Daniel Farke has the luxury of a fully fit Leeds squad for the upcoming trip to Brighton, as he must decide whether to throw James back into his starting line-up or to stick with the impressive Brenden Aaronson.
Now, Farke has provided an exciting verdict on James’ fitness as Leeds attempt to win at Brighton for the first time since 2009.
Daniel Farke looks on during a Premier League clash between Fulham and Leeds
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Daniel Farke provides Dan James verdict
Speaking in his weekly press conference ahead of Leeds’ trip to the south coast, Farke explained that he is preparing to “unleash” James on the Premier League.
According to the Leeds boss, the flying Welshman is doing additional work in training to get back to his best and is ready to take his opportunity when it presents itself.
Farke said: “I like his attitude because he feels that he needs to work hard in order to find his best shape since he was out for so long, but he’s doing this. You can see this.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
“He’s sharp in training and works really, really hard. He’s focused and concentrated, and does additional stuff. It’s not that everything that he does on the training pitch is perfect, but he’s working perfectly well at the moment.
“But there will be a moment when it clicks, and then he’s back at his best shape. So I would say physically, he’s prepared right now for many minutes. So I’m quite happy with this.
“Meanwhile, he’s growing in confidence, and I like what he is doing at the moment. And when I unleash him, I think he has to grab the chance with both hands. And we’ll see when this moment will be.”
Dan James dribbles the ball while playing for Leeds United.
Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images
Leeds United need Dan James back to his best
Although James was a persistent threat for Leeds in the second tier, his record in the Premier League has yet to hit the same heights.
According to FotMob, James scored 25 goals and registered 17 assists in total across Leeds’ most recent two seasons in the Championship under Daniel Farke.
Dan James’ Record by competition Appearances Goals Assists Goal Contribution per game
Premier League 112 12 13 0.22
Championship 109 29 25 0.50
This compares with a career total of 12 goals and 12 assists across 117 games in the Premier League, during spells in the top flight with Leeds, Fulham and Manchester United.
His most productive Premier League campaign was in the 2019/20 season at Old Trafford, when he scored six goals and registered three assists. Leeds will be hoping for more this season when he forces his way back into the side.