Daniel Farke says 26-year-old Leeds player was too inconsistent before improving recently

Add as preferred source on Google

Dan James is enjoying the finest season of his career and while it is at Championship level, he is producing Premier League form – and Daniel Farke has explained he was too inconsistent before.

James, 26, has produced a whopping 17 goal involvements in 29 games for Leeds this season – but has been missing since the 1-0 win over Norwich. He was substituted at half-time during the 1-0 victory.

Willy Gnonto has since come in to the Leeds side, and has impressed. Scoring a winner against Bristol City and the first of four during the FA Cup replay at Plymouth – he missed a few against Rotherham.

Farke has a decision to make ahead of Tuesday night. Does he throw James back into the side after remaining absent for a couple of weeks – or does the German gaffer decide with Gnonto on the right?

A big decision to make, as Leeds to make it seven Championship wins in a row. But, it is a huge plus to have James available again – and Farke explains how he has helped the Wales star find his best form.

“Experience is important but the most important topic is work on the training ground, and work in games. A neediness to bring goals and assists to his heart. Sometimes you have a natural born scorer, you have it or you don’t have it. We got the feeling throughout his career, he could be more consistent.

“We’ve worked on a few bits and pieces, gave some hints, spoke of what he needs to improve in other aspects to bring more confidence and be more clinical. But all the credit goes to Daniel. It’s him who has to go through the door and work on it, and to believe on it. He’s doing that, and he gets all the credit.”

Daniel Farke says Dan James was inconsistent before at Leeds

Farke was right. But James has been superb this season – a player that Aidy White says is our best player in the first 20 minutes of matches. Whether he starts on Tuesday night remains to be seen.

He is one of a number of Leeds players that take on old side Swansea on Tuesday – along with Joel Piroe, Connor Roberts and Joe Rodon. Hopefully, Leeds win and keep the pressure on the top two.