Only two sides have scored more goals than Leeds United in the Championship this season and that should come as no surprise given how many of their attackers are full internationals.
Mateo Joseph, Brenden Aaronson, Wilfried Gnonto, Manor Solomon and Dan James are all due to go away with their respective countries next week, showing the embarrassment of riches at Daniel Farke‘s disposal.
Leeds‘ tally of 22 is bettered only by Sunderland and Norwich City so far, with goals spread across all those players fighting to be in the front four.
Farke will be keeping everything crossed none of those players pick up any injuries during the next international break, ahead of a busy festive period coming up.
Largie Ramazani should also be back in the mix after injury soon, who had been in electric form prior to suffering ankle ligament damage in the win over Watford.
Craig Bellamy says Leeds star Dan James is ‘menacing’
Of that crop of aforementioned international attackers, James is the first to officially receive a call-up for Wales.
James has missed each of Wales’ last two camps due to injury but has featured in each of Leeds’ four matches since the most recent international break, scoring against Plymouth Argyle.
This will be the first time James has the opportunity to work with Wales boss Craig Bellamy, who replaced Rob Page after his sacking earlier this year.
Bellamy is excited at the prospect of having James available in his squad as he believes he is a ‘menacing player’ for defenders to have to deal with due to his pace.
Via Leeds Live, he said: “He brings a lot to this squad, he really adds to the group. He’s been unfortunate with injuries, but he’s an outstanding player. I’ve always enjoyed watching him play for Wales.
“The way we play will really suit him. He definitely, as a coach, suits my type of profile. He’s a really menacing player with real speed and high intensity. He adds again to the quality we have in those areas and gives us another option.”
Daniel Farke’s message to Bellamy on James
James is still in the process of regaining full match sharpness and so it will be interesting to see how Farke uses him over Leeds’ next two matches against Millwall and QPR.
Providing he comes through those unscathed, James will then head off to join up with the Wales camp. Farke is hopeful Bellamy manages him carefully while he is there.
He said: “At the moment it’s important he comes good through these last five days with us, how many minutes he will get. Every day he is not reinjured, helps with his body. Craig [Bellamy] is experienced in this business.
“He knows Daniel was out six-and-a-half weeks, but each and every manager wants his team to be successful. Him being back fit for us is important but also for the Wales squad.
“I would prefer if he was not given 90 mins in every game [for Wales]. We’ll see the other outcomes after these two games, I won’t tell Craig what to do, he’s experienced enough.”
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
