Awards season is still some way away for Daniel Farke and Leeds United, irrespective of their place at the top of the Championship table.
But, as the monthly prized were handed out on Friday, a fantastic run of form throughout February certainly did not go unnoticed.
While Daniel Farke claimed the Manager of the Month gong on the back of five wins from a possible five, Dan James took home the Championship’s Player of the Month award.
James kicked off February with a goal and two assists as Leeds United obliterated Cardiff City 7-0 at Elland Road. Their biggest home win in over 50 years.
The Wales international would then net twice in a 4-0 away win over Watford while providing a further two assists – including one gorgeous clipped cross to set up Junior Firpo’s equaliser – as Leeds came from behind to beat title rivals Sheffield United on their own Bramall Lane turf.
Former Leeds midfielder David Prutton labelled Dan James the Championship’s premiere performer this week.
Now, Farke was reluctant to make such a bold claim himself. But if James is not the best, then he is certainly one of the best.
Daniel Farke praises Dan James as Leeds United dominate EFL awards
“He is excellent and outstanding for this level,” Farke says of James. “It’s always difficult to compare players in the Championship because but he is right up there. He fully deserves to be in the spotlight.”
The £25 million signing from Manchester United is one assist away from a first ever ‘double-double’ season. He’s already in double figures for goals – ten so far – while his tally of assists stands at nine.
Dan James is combining pace with productivity at last. A footballer who’s feet used to outpace his brain finally adding a much-needed ruthlessness in the final third.
Farke puts James’ transformation from profligate to prolific down to his fierce drive for self-improvement.
“All credit goes to him and his hard work,” adds the former Norwich City boss. “You always get what you are willing to invest. Daniel is an outstanding player and special with his skills. His personality, he is an unbelievable lad, always thinking about the team, working his socks off.
“He has improved his end [product] which is due to his work ethic. He has to keep going. He’s proven he is one of the best players at this level.
“To have a promotion under your belt is what you want to have as a player.”
Championship Manager of the Month Farke has bigger fish to fry at Leeds
The more superstitious members of the Leeds United fanbase may have winced a little at the sight of Farke holding the Manager of the Month award on Friday morning.
The so-called ‘Manager of the Month curse’ is, of course, a pretty well-established phenomenon. But after taking seven points from a possible nine off promotion-seeking Sheffield United, Sunderland and West Brom, Leeds’ March schedule looks a lot more manageable on paper.
The Whites face Portsmouth in Sunday’s early kick-off. Leeds then host Millwall before taking on Queens Park Rangers and Swansea City either side of the international break. All four of those clubs currently sit between 12th and 17th in the table as things stand.
“Manager of the Year would not be bad! But yes, I take it,” Farke quips after earning the monthly award, his sights firmly fixed on bigger prizes. “It’s a reward for the whole group and staff. We won each game in February and brought us in a good position.
“But it’s a season, not just a month. So the focus is on the next game and upcoming games.
“[My individual accolades are put away] in a cupboard. In 30 years, when you have a glass of wine maybe you open the cupboard. But I’m not in reflection mode now.
“I don’t value them that much like I should perhaps should do!”
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