Marcelo Bielsa recently asked Simon Rix about the form of Leeds United star Dan James following a trip to Uruguay to watch his side against Brazil, as per Adam Pope – and James has now responded.
James, 26, has been on fire for Leeds since returning to the club after a loan spell at Fulham last season. The Wales star has had a hand in 10 goals for Leeds this season, in just 17 Championship appearances.
He is keeping the likes of Willy Gnonto and Jaidon Anthony out of the side at the moment with his form. That has also leaked into his performances with Wales, with three assists in his four caps this season.
Rix – the bass player in the Kaizer Chiefs and one of three on the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast with Pope – travelled to Uruguay to watch Bielsa in action, as he masterminded a shock 2-0 win over Brazil.
Pope said on BBC Radio Leeds that Rix actually spoke to Bielsa and the Argentine gaffer – who tried to sign James in January 2019, and then got him in the summer of 2021 – asked about his form this term.
Pope said: “Marcelo mentioned you the other day ahead of the Uruguay, Brazil game. Simon Rix went out to see him. He said ‘How’s Dan James doing?’ He was really pleased to hear you’ve started well.
James responded: “That’s obviously great. He’s had a massive impact on my career. A manager that has improved so many. Look at what Uruguay are doing. A great manager. Really happy he’s doing well.”
Marcelo Bielsa asks about Leeds United star Dan James’ form
James has been excellent this season, and clearly – Bielsa really liked him. The pocket-sized speed machine had not proved himself beforehand in a Leeds shirt. Struggling in his first season at Leeds.
But, Bielsa is clearly a massive admirer. You would imagine that Bielsa probably knew James was performing well and maybe even, his question about James was almost as if he was proving a point.
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