Dan James enjoyed his best game in a Fulham shirt since joining the club on loan from Leeds United in the summer, and also gave Leeds a helping hand in a 3-1 win over Everton – prompting reaction from Luke Ayling and others.
James, 26, has endured a difficult loan spell at Fulham. He left Leeds to join the London club last summer on loan in order to get some much-needed game time ahead of the World Cup. But it has not worked out like that for James.
Indeed, the £25m Leeds signing has managed just 19 outings for Fulham so far – starting just five times. Saturday saw James start only for the fifth time, his fourth in the League. Wales boss Rob Page says it has frustrated him.
But he starred on Saturday. He got a goal and an assist as Fulham beat Everton 3-1 – helping Leeds with Everton right in the thick of the relegation scrap with Leeds. James laid on an assist for the opener, Harrison Reed netting.
Dwight McNeil equalised before Willian’s gorgeous assist set up Harry Wilson to make it 2-1. Then, James made it 3-1 after a mistake in the Everton defence with a neat finish. The Welsh winger posted on Instagram after the win.
Luke Ayling and others react as on-loan Leeds man Dan James shines
It was a stunning performance from James – the first game since joining Fulham in which he has seen out the entire 90 minutes. A constant thorn in Everton’s struggling defence – helping Marco Silva’s side to a first win in six games.
No doubt, those at Leeds will be looking on at James – given his initial outlay. If there were any question marks over whether James should come back to Leeds this summer, this helps answer them. Leeds players were impressed.
Indeed, Sam Greenwood and Ayling responded – applauding James. Ex-Leeds defender Matt Kilgallon also gave his take on James’ display, while Leif Davis was full of praise. Teammate Reed compared James to that of Anelka.
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