Daniel Farke should be worried about Leeds United star who has looked ‘rusty’ in pre-season.
Leeds United are making positive steps prior to their Premier League return, but one player is struggling.
It’s been a solid pre-season for Leeds, as after three games, some strong displays have been shown.
Anton Stach impressed on his Leeds debut as the new midfielder slotted nicely into Daniel Farke’s setup.
Another who is making his case is Willy Gnonto, as he has the chance to make a big impact at Elland Road this season.
However, for one player, it hasn’t been smooth sailing after an impressive campaign, and worry could begin to build.
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Dan James looks to find an equaliser for Leeds in defeat at Portsmouth.
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Dan James has looked ‘rusty’ in Leeds United’s pre-season
In what was arguably the best campaign of his career, Dan James was crowned Leeds’ player of the season.
This came after 21 goal contributions and clutch moments, which helped guide Leeds to the title, as he showed his creative brilliance in the final third.
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James agreed a new contract at Leeds and a deserved one at that after his performances, but it appears the Welshman is yet to get going.
Graham Smyth, reporting for the Yorkshire Evening Post, has stated that James had a frustrating half against Paderborn, and he hasn’t looked ‘back to his best’ with Smyth even highlighting how the Welshman has been ‘rusty’.
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Although it’s just pre-season, this is certainly unusual for the winger, who was practically consistent every time he put on a Leeds shirt last season.
It’s obvious that James was Leeds’ player of the season, but Farke might be expressing slight concerns after his start.
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Farke should be worried about James’ pre-season start at Leeds
The 27-year-old is no doubt up there as one of Leeds’ most important players, so to see him struggling should raise concern.
Jayden Bogle and the Welsh winger were arguably Leeds’ best last campaign, and while Bogle has been described as ‘world class’ in pre-season, James still needs to step up and begin matching his form from last season’s success.
James’ 24/25 Championship statistics for Leeds.
Games played 36
Goal involvements 21 (12G+9A)
Chances created per 90 1.51
Touches in opposition box 142
Fouls won 37
This, of course, won’t displace the Welshman in any plans Farke has, but with Largie Ramazani even showing a bit more early in the summer, it could begin to give the German some time to think.
With the Premier League around the corner there is a clear need for Leeds to make a quick start with some tricky opening fixtures.
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