Dan James some how managed to produce two assists after coming off the bench for Leeds United on Sunday with 20 minutes to play – and Daniel Farke has explained how important he remains to the team.
With Willy Gnonto and Cree Summerville remaining at the club, and Jaidon Anthony coming in on loan from Bournemouth – the competition out wide is aplenty. Gnonto and Summerville started on Sunday.
But Anthony and James came on and James took full advantage. His first assist, a scuffed shot finding Joe Piroe who tapped home his second. His second, a pass that deflected to Georginio Rutter to score.
Two assists, the first particularly dodgy. Three assists for the season. James is certainly knocking on the door to start – with Gnonto only managing one goal so far, no assists. Farke discussed his game time.
“We need all the players and competition and depth. 46 games and two cups. Speed of the game makes it impossible for every player to play 50 games. Need competition and opportunities,” Farke explained.
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“Some games where we find it tough and that’s when have to stick together and if one of them has a decisive goal,” the Leeds gaffer continued when discussing the £25m signing from Manchester United.
Daniel Farke explains how important Dan James remains at Leeds
Farke makes a good point that while James is not first choice right now, games come thick and fast. No player, especially explosive players out wide, can play every game. James will be needed from the start.
Wednesday could be the first example. Hull away, with another game Saturday, means Leeds play three matches in six days. Watford might be a tougher trip on Saturday, so fringe players could play at Hull.