Leeds United star Dan James has named the Premier League player he believes is faster than both him and Erling Haaland.
After a rocky start to his time with the club, which saw him spend a season on loan at Fulham after Marcelo Bielsa brought him to Leeds, Dan James has established himself as a firm favourite.
James is known for his blistering pace, and he terrified Championship defenders as Leeds earned their return to the Premier League.
The flying Leeds winger signed a new contract in the summer and is expected to play a key role again this season as Leeds look to defy the odds and stay in the top flight.
Now, as Leeds prepare to face Everton in the first game of the season, James has named the Premier League player he believes could outpace him in a race.
Leeds United v Middlesbrough - Sky Bet Championship
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Dan James believes he would have a ‘good race’ with Erling Haaland
Speaking to BBC Sport, James completed a ranking of Premier League players by pace after being asked to remain silent until a faster player was named.
Having remained silent when Marc Cucurella, Brennan Johnson, Gabriel Martinelli, Darwin Nunez and former Leeds star Raphinha were suggested, James admitted that it would be a good race between him and Haaland.
However, James could not stay silent once Anthony Elanga was named, as he admitted that Newcastle United forward could have the edge.
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James said: “I just watched his 100 metres in the off-season and he got some crazy time, didn’t he? Obviously, I played with him and, yeah, he’s super quick. We’re very similar in stats.”
Is Dan James the fastest player in the Premier League?
We challenged him to stay silent until he heard a faster player than himself 👀🏃 pic.twitter.com/6t3D678NcO
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) August 18, 2025
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Wales star ready to storm Premier League with Leeds United
At 27 years of age, James is now a very different proposition from the talented but raw winger that Manchester United took a gamble on in 2019.
James struggled during his spell at Old Trafford, scoring just nine goals in 74 appearances, according to the data from FotMob prior to his time at Leeds.
Dan James – Championship stats for Leeds Goals Assists xG
24/25 12 9 10.34
23/24 13 7 10
The Wales star was one of Leeds’ key attacking options last season, as he scored 12 goals and registered nine assists in 30 starts. This represented a marginal overperformance against his xG, which was 10.34 for the season.
He is now a more complete player than the one Leeds spent £27 million to secure under Marcelo Bielsa. Having struggled in the top flight in the past, James is now primed to prove himself on the biggest stage.