Daniel James was gunning for glory on Tuesday
Daniel James was gunning for glory on Tuesday(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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Daniel Farke says Daniel James' goalscoring performance was the second-most important aspect of Leeds United’s League Cup win over Nottingham Forest, behind only the result itself.
James had not scored since April 2025 and had been beset by rotten injury luck throughout last season, missing 18 games through various setbacks.
And Farke explained how Leeds had failed to score a Premier League goal while James was on the pitch throughout the whole of last season.
This impacted his rank in the selection list, as did the change to a wing-back system last November amid questions over where he would fit in. On Tuesday, Farke said he deployed in him a hybrid wing-back role - and it worked.
Farke has always spoken fondly of James’ application and professionalism, and was delighted to hand him a new long-term contract last summer.
Matters since then have not been ideal but the manager is delighted that James could have his moment in the sun this week.
Here is what Farke said on James in full
“Yes, it would be possible to speak a lot about his situation. First and foremost, I’m so unbelievably happy for Daniel James because he’s a brilliant player and an even better human being.
“It was such a tough last season with many, many injuries. We had the topic that we had not scored a goal [in Premier League] once he was on the pitch last season, and it’s like he knew this.
“He was not the only one to blame for it, but that was a reality, you know. And he himself has not scored a goal in ages.
“How important it is for him to stay fit and sharp, and also his confidence, he has proven today because he had a really good pre-season and looked sharp in the games, no injuries, could work hard, could bring his body in a really good position.
“Of course, after such a year when you know the team has never scored a goal when you are on the pitch, it’s realistic to say the chances don’t come around that often anymore. If they come around, you have to grab them with both hands. This is what he did today.
“I think he was excellent. We tried to play him today in a role that’s probably not invented so far, because he was not a winger, he wasn't a wing-back, he was something in between.
“But against the ball and also in possession, excellent, a very good all-round game, and I'm so happy. This will be a big boost for his confidence, for his rhythm, and so so delighted for him.
“This was one of the most important things today, next to going through into the next round.”
Leeds United 2026/27 Third Kit
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