Daniel Farke says Leeds United have a player that is judged ‘too harshly’ because of his price tag

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Leeds United are in action on Sunday lunchtime as The Whites begin the second half of the season with 20 games left to sort out whether Daniel Farke’s men can secure automatic promotion.

Sheffield United’s home win over Norwich City on Saturday saw Chris Wilder’s men climb into first place in the Championship table, as the Blades look to get back on track after a shaky, injury-hit winter period.

A win for Leeds against Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road on Sunday will see them leapfrog Wilder’s men back into first place, but that will be easier said than done against a Wednesday side in good form.

Danny Rohl continues to impress as manager and Leeds will need their big guns firing if they are to secure all three points, and one of those is winger Dan James who is now considered first choice at Leeds.

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Dan James was up against it from the start at Leeds United

Not only did James come from rivals Manchester United and cost a huge £25m fee, but he was a player earmarked by Marcelo Bielsa as the ideal suit for this Leeds side. Leeds tried to sign him in January 2020.

A medical was done and it was not until 18 months later that Leeds got him. He struggled initially, having to play as a striker due to injury and then loaned to Fulham but he returned after Leeds were relegated.

Now, James is considered one of Leeds’ most-lethal attackers despite adversity during his Whites spell. Speaking to ITV Sport ahead of Sunday’s clash, Leeds boss Farke thinks James has been judged unfairly.

“The potential was always there, but with a big price tag comes big expectations. Perhaps then, you are judged a bit too harshly, these players also need confidence in order to develop and to grow,” Farke said.

How will Leeds start in crucial clash against Wednesday?

The selection issues that Farke has to decide include whether to throw Junior Firpo back into the starting line-up, or continue to ease him back into the team after a lay-off that has lasted almost two months.

Pascal Struijk is out injured until February, and with Max Wober’s knee problems still an issue, it might be that Ethan Ampadu drops into centre-back if Wober is unable to play. If Ampadu, the midfield is affected.

But the front four picks itself at the moment. Brenden Aaronson will play in the middle of Manor Solomon and James, and Joel Piroe will be looking to add to his so-far impressive tally of 10 goals and five assists.