Dan James explains what’s left him so ‘frustrated’ all season at Leeds United, ‘there’s games where…’

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Dan James has been a shining light for Leeds United this season. He’s on track for his best season ever, but the Welshman isn’t entirely pleased.

There’s an argument to say that Dan James is Leeds United’s Player of the Year. Although in a bit of a lull right now with just one goal in his last eight, the 27-year-old has chipped in with an incredible 20 goal contributions in 34 Championship games this season (11 goals and nine assists).

Last time out, James ended his goal drought with a fine long-ranged strike during Leeds United’s 1-1 draw with Luton Town: a game which has since seen Daniel Farke’s side slip into 3rd place of the Championship table with six games to go.

The Whites are winless in three and have won just one of their last six in the Championship, having looked oddly lacklustre despite beating Sunderland then beating Sheffield United 3-1 in consecutive games to leave themselves five points clear at the top of the pile.

Next up is a trip to Middlesbrough on Tuesday. James has been speaking to The Athletic ahead of this one.

• READ MORE: Championship expert gives Middlesbrough vs Leeds United score prediction, £10.5m star lets Daniel Farke down

Dan James ‘frustrated’ with some of his Leeds United performances this season

Despite having had an impressive season with Leeds United, having matched his personal best for league goal contributions in a single season and now eyeing up a personal best for league goals in a season, James isn’t entirely happy with how his season has gone so far.

Speaking to The Athletic, James revealed how he’s been left frustrated with some of his performances, suggesting indecision in the final third as an area for him to make improvements in. The winger said: “Going back to games this season, I’ve been frustrated. It’s just about being clear at the time that you think that’s the right thing to do.

“There’s games where maybe I tried to play that pass across the box, where I could have shot easily, and it’s not come off. I’ve been frustrated after the game because I should have shot, but, in the moment, I was very clear I was going to pass it for an assist.

“It’s about not being caught in two minds of, ‘Do I pass? Do I cross?’ Just be clear with what you want to do and that’s where you get the benefits from.”

• READ MORE: Jermaine Beckford brutally slams ‘frustrating’ Leeds United star after Luton Town and he’s spot on

Dan James’ conversion stats in 2024/25 vs 2023/24

Almost every Leeds United fan will agree that James has had his ups and downs. But this season he’s shown huge strides in his progression, becoming a player who can provide the goods more consistently albeit having just gone seven games without a goal.

At times last season and in the past, he proved so frustratingly wasteful in front of goal, be it via his own efforts on goal or his loose passing. And although his shot conversion % is actually lower this season, he’s now proving more decisive by letting off more shots and having created more big chances.

Games/goals/assists/xG/shot %/ shots per game/big chances created

But like James suggests, there’s room for improvement. There always is. The fact that he’s improved so much this season but still isn’t happy is a good sign and it shows that he still wants to improve.

Leeds United’s Championship game against Middlesbrough kicks off at 8pm on Tuesday night.