With 11 games left to play in the race for promotion from the Championship, Leeds United remain top of the table but the gap has closed in the last week after Saturday’s draw against West Brom.
Junior Firpo’s header looked as though it would send Leeds on their way to a third successive win against one of the Championship’s top-five sides, having beaten both Sheffield United and Sunderland late on.
But Darnell Furlong managed to loop a header over Illan Meslier and the scoreline remained 1-1, even if Mateo Joseph came within an inch of restoring Leeds’ lead. Leeds remain top, but only by three points.
Burnley’s away win over Cardiff on Tuesday night saw Scott Parker’s men concede their first goal in 12 games, and only their tenth of the season – but a win is a win. However, David Prutton thinks Leeds have the league’s best player, not their rivals.
David Prutton heaps praise on Leeds United star Dan James
James has been electric. Leeds have gone 17 games unbeaten in the Championship and in that run, the winger has laid on 14 goals and assists. His tally for the season so far is 10 goals and nine assists in 29.
While Leeds may have slipped slightly against arguably the best side to come to Elland Road on Saturday, James still added to his tally with a cross for Firpo. Speaking to FLW, Prutton thinks he’s the league’s best.
“Dan has 14 goal involvements in the last 17 games in which Leeds have been unbeaten. A match winner and game changer, his ability to come out of quiet periods to decide the outcome is a joy for Leeds fans.
“The ever-present electric pace has been allied to an increasingly reliable final ball or finish. A little predictable given Leeds are top, but he is a huge part of why they’re currently at the summit,” he added.
Dan James has already outperformed his stellar 2023-24 season
Over the weekend, Paul Merson said James is too good for the Championship. It is an impossible task to argue such a claim, but it should also worry Leeds fans if the Whites do not secure promotion this term.
James’ Championship stats under Daniel Farke:
| Season | Games (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Minutes per G+A |
| 2024-25 | 29 (24) | 2088 | 10 | 9 | 109.9 |
| 2023-24 | 43 (28) | 2542 | 13 | 7 | 127.1 |
His contract lasts only until the summer of 2026, meaning failure to go up this summer will see Premier League clubs come calling. His form has been so good that James is already outperforming last season.
If Leeds are to go up, then James will be front and centre. His form has been crucial in getting Leeds to where they currently are and with 11 games left to play, the Welshman has got to continue his form.
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