Leeds United have been short of winger options this season due to Dan James and Willy Gnonto suffering injuries, but the former has insisted he’s ready to start.
The international break gives Leeds plenty to mull over. Most of the discourse is about what they do with Daniel Farke, as the fanbase has noticeably turned.
For Farke, though, he’ll need this time as a reset to essentially fight to save his job when the Premier League resumes.
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Why didn’t Leeds United winger Dan James start away to Nottingham Forest?
Leeds’ main issue since promotion has been their inability to create and score enough chances. So, losing Willy Gnonto and Dan James to injury didn’t help, after failing to secure a right-winger on deadline day.
James’ miraculously recovered from ankle ligament issues during the previous international break. As a result, he’s been on the bench for each of United’s last four games – where we’ve lost three.
Again held back until the 74th minute against Nottingham Forest, when Leeds were losing, Farke shared his rationale for holding James back from a start.
Dan James watched on from the bench as Leeds United went behind against Nottingham Forest. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew)
“Of course, he could have started, yes. It’s not just a tactical choice, it’s also performance-related,” Farke told BBC Radio Leeds. “Anyhow, he was rarely on the pitch in the last four months. He didn’t have the best pre-season because he was injured, and also not the best run of games.
“Once we started the Premier League season, he was also out for a bit. I didn’t see in the last games when he came in that he took the league by storm. It’s not that easy. Just because he’s fit right now, I would have to leave Noah Okafor out, or a workhorse like Brenden Aaronson out, or a leader like Sean Longstaff out. So it’s always up to the competition anyhow. But, fitness-wise, he’s back.”
Dan James speaks out about Leeds United starting XI prospects after prolonged Daniel Farke snub
Farke, on Sunday, made it clear that James is not being held back from starts due to his fitness at the moment.
That has been backed up by what James has said while on Wales duty. He’s strongly suggested he’s ready to start and wants to “make a difference” after playing just 72 of the last 360 minutes available.
“It is frustrating but that’s part of football and you’ve just got to do everything you can to get back on the pitch,” James told United’s site, discussing his injury. “I’m just happy that I’m fit and healthy now and ready to go.
Dan James has started on the bench in each of Leeds United’s last four games. (REUTERS/Peter Powell)
“I feel in a really good place at the moment. I’m just working as hard as I can, putting everything into training so that I’m ready to come away for Wales, but also ready to come on the pitch for Leeds, even if I’m not starting. Mentally, I am always ready to make a difference.”
He’s looking to help Craig Bellamy’s side sneak into a playoff spot in World Cup qualifying Group J. But, they have the cushion of their Nations League status that should see them have a potential backdoor route to the World Cup playoffs in 2026.
Daniel Farke simply has to start one of Willy Gnonto or Dan James after the international break
Leeds look so badly short of creativity and rhythm in possession on the right. And, it’s because Farke isn’t selecting one of his two best options.
Brenden Aaronson may be a ‘workhorse’ as Farke stressed, but that doesn’t make him a viable right-wing option. That should not be the benchmark for a crucial attacking position, that they work hard.
Dan James works just as hard but has the end product and constant threat to go with it, as does Gnonto. There’s no reason why either aren’t starting now.
If Farke persists with Aaronson starting after the break, then he’s willingly harming his chances of getting results.
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