Dan James believes Leeds United’s strength in depth will ensure they are in a good position to secure an instant Premier League return.
James was speaking in an interview with Leeds Live, where he discussed the competition for places in the Leeds squad, particularly in his position out wide.
James is expected to start the season as one of Daniel Farke’s first choice wingers, with Luis Sinisterra and Crysencio Summerville also likely to start if last week’s XI against Hearts is anything to go by.
However, Farke also has the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Ian Poveda at his disposal, while Jack Harrison will provide another option once he recovers from a hip injury.
Leeds could well lose at least one of those players before the end of the window, but at this stage, Farke has an embarrassment of riches to choose from out wide.
James shares why Leeds can be optimistic of promotion
Given the competition for places, James believes it can only stand Leeds in good stead as players will know there is always someone ready to come and take their place if they aren’t playing well.
He said: “It’s brilliant. [With] players around you, you can’t really settle in that position. You’ve got to push on, you’ve got to give everything and know players can come on in your position and do really well. We’ve got great options in every area of the pitch. We want to push on this season.
“We’ve got big expectations, so it’s important for us to have the backing of a good bench that can come on. We’ve got very good young players as well. We’ve got a good mixture of senior and young players and competition in each area and that’s brilliant for the whole team.”
To some extent, James is right as Leeds have a number of high quality young players ready to come in and make an impact.
There is no doubt out wide is where Leeds are currently strongest, but at the same time, there are several positions that still need addressing this summer.
Once Leeds are able to get those signings in, then there is no doubt Farke will have one of, if not the strongest squad in the Championship.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
