Plenty of Leeds United players have caught the eye during the international break, whether it be scoring for their countries or keeping Cristiano Ronaldo quiet in defence.
He might be due to leave Leeds soon, but Rasmus Kristensen was excellent as Denmark secured a shock win over Ronaldo and France. Sam Chambers, Mateo Joseph and Diogo Monteiro have all scored goals.
Isaac Schmidt won his Switzerland debut and Manor Solomon laid on a brilliant assist for Israel’s winner against Estonia on Saturday night. Solomon has formed a brilliant partnership with Dan James at Leeds.
Indeed, Solomon has shared the connection he has with James and like the Israeli star, he starred for his country on Saturday in a 3-1 2026 World Cup qualifying win over Kazakhstan in Cardiff, getting a goal.
Leeds United fans are impressed with Dan James’ Wales display
James has of course, been in excellent form this season. But it is also fair to say that both James and Solomon have gone off the boil in recent weeks, with James failing to score or assist in three matches.
So it will have delighted Daniel Farke to see the pocket-sized assassin score for Wales, even it was not the tidiest of finishes. Leeds target Ben Davies and then Rabbi Matondo got the other goals for Wales late on.
One onlooking Leeds fan said James was “superb” again and produced a “man of the match” display. The Welshman was a constant threat to Kazakhstan’s defence, and another fan is hoping his goal is a “boost”.
There have been a few murmurs among Leeds fans that James has looked tired in his recent games for Leeds but one supporter said his “energy is suddenly back” and is hoping he can bring it back for Leeds.
Another responded to his goal going in by simply posting, “get in” while another urged Craig Bellamy to take him off at that stage: “He’s done his job, bring him off.” Wales are in action again on Tuesday night.
What Welsh media said about Dan James’ performance
The Leeds ace was handed an 8/10 for his display without ever really getting into top gear. A difficult one to do so with Kazakhstan not allowing much space in behind for James to exploit at Cardiff’s Stadium.
Overall, it was a bit of an up-and-down performance and James was certainly lucky to score his eighth goal for Wales given the ball ended up hitting the net via a needless deflection from the defender.
But James will take a goal wherever he can get it, such is his ruthless approach under the guidance of Daniel Farke. Old side Swansea are next when Leeds return, but first is Gjanni Alioski’s North Macedonia.
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