Leeds United’s squad has been excellent this season, but Micah Richards sees one player who has stood out above all.
Leeds fans probably won’t be singing the praises of their side after a dismal performance in a 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth.
The loss ends Daniel Farke’s side’s 17-game unbeaten streak in the Championship and now hands a real blow to the Whites’ Premier League promotion bid.
Neil Warnock doesn’t think Farke will worry, and the Leeds boss will probably have full focus ahead of Millwall at home on Wednesday night.
It seems like Brendan Aaronson should be dropped after Portsmouth, but according to pundit Richards, there is no chance of this happening to one Leeds star after his performances this season.
Micah Richards hails Dan James as ‘outstanding’ for Leeds United
Richards is a huge name in the punditry world, so it’s always worth hearing his thoughts on the Whites, especially as Richards has admiration for Leeds.
Dan James is someone who has caught the pundit’s eye this season, and despite the defeat to Pompey on Sunday afternoon, it’s hard to ignore how good the Welshman has been.
The winger’s contract expires in 2026, but the 49ers want a new contract for James, and what Richards has said adds to why he deserves a new deal.
Speaking to The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards, alongside Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker were discussing the promotion run-in, and the former Man City defender claimed how brilliant James has been this campaign.
“When you watch them this season, in terms of their squad and who they can introduce this season, James has been outstanding,” Richards said.
“I just really want to see them (Leeds) in the Premier League.”
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Dan James was not ‘outstanding’ in Leeds vs Portsmouth
It was a struggle for Leeds’ attack at Fratton Park on Sunday, and James certainly wasn’t able to show his form of this season.
As bad as Leeds’ attack was, Warnock also criticised Illan Meslier with both ends of the pitch lacking for Farke after such stellar form.
Normally, the 27-year-old can be relied upon for the Whites, but it wasn’t James’ day.
| Dan James statistics in Portsmouth 1-0 Leeds | |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Touches | 28 (Least touches out of any player who played 90′) |
| Touches in opposition box | 5 |
| Duels won % | 20% (1/5) |
| Crossing accuracy % | 0% (0/1) |
The performance from the Welshman certainly doesn’t reflect his season, as 19 goal involvements in 30 games exemplifies this.
Now the run-in has started, Farke can’t afford sloppy performances, even from the best in his squad.
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