Wherever you look in this Leeds United side, there are players producing the form of their lives under the guidance of Daniel Farke – even if Leeds have only won once from the last four games.
Sheffield United and Burnley might have closed the gap but Daniel Farke is starring as Leeds manager and getting the best out of his squad. Jayden Bogle, Junior Firpo, Joe Rodon, Ao Tanaka all in top form.
It is easy to argue that actually, it is the best form of their careers. Even Joel Piroe to a degree, while Dan James has enjoyed the best two years of his career since Farke came in and made him a key Leeds player.
James had endured a tricky first season following a £25m move from Manchester United. The pressure of the price tag, coming from a club despised having almost joined Leeds 18 months beforehand.
Dan James discusses Daniel Farke relationship at Leeds United
Having been asked to play up front by Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League, and then coming in and out of the side under Jesse Marsch – he was loaned to Fulham. But he returned to Leeds with Farke arriving.
The German convinced James to remain and made him a key part of the side, thriving since. James told the BBC while on Wales duty that Farke won him over at the start and the relationship has remained since.
“When he first came in he put his arm around me, we have a good relationship. It’s one that I’ve tried to continue over the last two years, listening. The way he sets up the team suits me down to the ground.”
Dan James’ Leeds United stats before Farke and after it
While James first two seasons at Elland Road came in the Premier League, it didn’t feel as if he was at home. Used rotationally, played in different positions and struggling to get any kind of rhythm at Leeds.
But relegation to the Championship has allowed James to come in and become a crucial part of the XI, and he has thrived. The stats below show just how much James has improved under Farke’s guidance.
Dan James before Daniel Farke and after, at Leeds:
| Games (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Minutes per G+A |
| Before Farke – 42 (36) | 2983 | 4 | 4 | 372.9 |
| With Farke – 79 (57) | 5085 | 23 | 17 | 127.1 |
The next thing on the agenda for Leeds regarding James will be to sort out his contract situation. Failure to do so and James will become the target of plenty, with his current Elland Road deal expiring in 2026.
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