Aidy White has named the player he believes seems to regularly be Leeds United’s best in the first 20 minutes of games this season, noting that he is always electric.
Leeds will have to contest a replay after drawing their FA Cup tie with Plymouth Argyle on Saturday. Jaidon Anthony‘s brilliant opening goal was cancelled out during the second-half. And Daniel Farke‘s men will have to win a replay to book their spot in the fifth round.
Leeds were dealt a big blow ahead of the tie. Farke confirmed ahead of the game that James will miss the next two games due to a hip injury sustained in the win over Norwich in the week.
Aidy White says Leeds really missed Daniel James against Plymouth
The 26-year-old’s absence is a big one for Leeds right now. James has scored 10 goals in the Championship. Meanwhile, his stunning cross for Patrick Bamford against the Canaries was his sixth assist of the campaign.
And speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, Aidy White suggested that Leeds particularly missed the Welshman as they looked to set the tone against the Pilgrims.
“Yeah, him and Summerville have probably been our standout performers really, especially in those wide positions,” he said.
“Obviously, kept Gnonto and Jaidon Anthony out of the team for such a long period. Definitely missed their athleticism and driving at players.
“I am always seem to think Dan James starts the game as the best player in the first 15, 20 minutes. He’s always electric. He sets the tempo for the team. We certainly missed that today. Our first five, 10 minutes were sloppy, we were laboured. We grew into the game and were comfortable for that first-half. But second-half performance was probably sub-standard.”
Whites need winger back as quickly as possible
James deserves enormous credit for making himself so important to the current side. Unfortunately, his move did not appear to work out over the first couple of years. And he spent last season on loan at Fulham.
Only Crysencio Summerville has scored more goals than James in the league this season. So Leeds will be desperately hoping that his absence is no longer than Farke has already suggested – as the promotion race is forcing everyone to now be absolutely perfect.
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