Dom Matteo and Michael Bridges say ‘electric’ Leeds player is finally improving at Elland Road under Daniel Farke

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United could not capitalise on Sunderland dropping points on Wednesday night and remain in third place in the Championship table, after losing to Millwall.

Japhet Tanganga scored the only goal of the game to continue Millwall’s run of four consecutive 1-0 wins while Leeds saw their unbeaten run of seven come to an end, failing to nab a ninth clean sheet so far.

Leeds might even finish the day in fourth if Burnley manage to beat West Brom by more than two goals on Thursday evening. The chances are, Leeds will welcome QPR to Elland Road in third place on Saturday.

A sobering result but it might actually prove to benefit Leeds in the long run, a reminder that they have to win ugly as well as pretty if Leeds do go up at the second attempt and Farke is to win his third promotion.

One improving player can be key in getting Leeds back to winning ways, in Dan James…

• READ MORE: Leeds record in London laid bare as Whites suffer a ninth defeat in 10

Michael Bridges and Dom Matteo comment on Dan James

It has been a frustrating start to the season for the Wales ace. A goal against Sheffield Wednesday before suffering a hamstring injury which kept him sidelined for the mst of two months, for Leeds and Wales.

But he is back and scored a slammer against Plymouth, and impressed against Millwall – putting some super balls into the box. Bridges and Matteo said before the game that James is getting better and better.

Bridges initially told Leeds United’s Matchday Live programme on Wednesday: “He loves the ball, he loves having the ball at his feet and defenders hate him because of his little twists and turns. He has got better.”

Matteo responded: “Distribution is better, finishing is better, he’s out on the training ground and worked on it. He has electric pace. I’ve been critical over his distribution and crossing but it’s got a lot better.”

Dan James is more important to Leeds than most people think

Ask most Leeds fans last season for the most-influential attacker during the 2023-24 season, and the majority will respond with either Crysencio Summerville or Georginio Rutter. But James was also key.

As stated above, of Leeds’ eight main attacking players, James had the best minute to goal and assist ratio other than Summerville. Better than Rutter and Piroe, even which highlights just how crucial he is.

Leeds need a spark from somewhere against QPR after losing to Millwall and James is the man capable pf providing that, as he did against Plymouth to open the scoring. Keeping him injury free is paramount.