‘His game’s gone to a new level’… Michael Bridges hails ‘unselfish’ Leeds United star after West Brom

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Leeds United welcomed West Brom to Elland Road on Saturday, in yet another game against top six opposition for Daniel Farke’s side.

Last time out, Leeds United beat Sheffield United 3-1 at Bramall Lane before previously beating Sunderland, coming from behind to win both games too.

It’d left Leeds with a five-point cushion at the top of the Championship table for the visit of Tony Mowbray’s Baggies, but it proved a frustrating afternoon.

Leeds took the lead after nine minutes through Junior Firpo who headed home a Dan James cross. From then on it looked like Leeds would enjoy a fruitful afternoon against West Brom, but the baggies responded.

Half-an-hour later they were back on lever terms with Darnell Furlong looping a header over Illan Meslier. The second half proved tame at times with neither side really threatening too much, eventually settling for the 1-1 draw.

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Michael Bridges in awe of Dan James after 9th Leeds United assist

James’ assist for Firpo’s opening goal was his ninth assist of the season so far, leaving him with 19 goal contributions in 28 Championship fixtures this season (10 goals), almost equalling his tally of 20 goal contributions in the Championship last season (13 goals and seven assists).

Speaking on LUTV at half-time, former Leeds man Michael Bridges explained how James has found more happiness in his personal life which has enabled him to flourish on the pitch. Bridges said: “Absolutely buzzing for DJ. Every time I’ve seen him this season, whether it’s been in a football environment or outside of football in a safe space, he’s opened up so much more. He looks so much more relaxed, and I think when he’s so happy off the field, it’s shown on the field.

“I just think, there’s always been that question mark for DJ; the amount of opportunities you get, you’re judged on assists and you’re judged on goals. That’s what it’s down to, and he’s recognised that and he’s been so clinical this season, but he’s also been so unselfish to allow others, hence where the assists have come from. His game’s gone to a new level.”

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Tony Mowbray is a big fan of Dan James at Leeds United

Speaking before the weekend, Baggies boss Tony Mowbray highlighted Leeds United’s attacking threat, and how many teams have tried and failed to stop the Whites in what has been a rampant 2024/25 season so far.

And Mowbray reserved praise for James and his season so far, saying that the 27-year-old is perhaps playing the best football of his career so far.

Mowbray said: “How can we stop them? A lot of teams have tried this year and not many have succeeded. They’ve got a lot of threats; Solomon and Dan James, who is probably playing his best football.”

There’s certainly an argument to say that James could be Leeds United’s Player of the Season. He’s become so much more consistent; not only in terms of goals, but assists too, with his overall wing play having been a huge beneficiary for the team too.

Keeping James fit and firing is going to be crucial in securing promotion this season. Then, James will be eyeing up another attempt at the Premier League, and this time he may feel much better-prepared.