Neil Redfearn has hailed a member of Leeds United’s squad as Premier League quality following the 3-1 win over Middlesbrough.
This was arguably Leeds‘ most satisfying home three points of the season against a Boro side who actually came to play unlike so many visiting teams to Elland Road before them.
Leeds opened the scoring early on in the match through Wilfried Gnonto were pegged back just after half-time due to an own-goal from Max Wober.
Boro had been in the ascendancy during that period but Daniel Farke‘s changes helped swing the game back in Leeds’ favour, as Joel Piroe sent Dan James through on goal to score.
Brenden Aaronson then put the icing on the cake in stoppage time after Ao Tanaka unselfishly opted to square the ball across the six-yard-box for him to tap in.
Redfearn hails Dan James as Premier League quality after Leeds win
James was Leeds’ best player on the night and his performance received just reward when he was handed the man of the match by Sky Sports.
Farke also hailed James as Leeds’ man to produce in the decisive moments, showing a real mental strength to go and finish that chance after missing one just before.
Redfearn has recently labelled James as the best attacking player in the Championship and he once again wasn’t short of praise for the Welshman on BBC Radio Leeds‘ post-match show.
The former Leeds boss believes James is someone who ‘should be playing in the division above’ and is hoping that will be the case at Elland Road in the coming months.
He said: “The thing about Dan James, for me I think he is a quality player. He should be playing in the division above, and hopefully that is where Leeds are going. He times his runs well, he knows the positions to pick up, he’s aware of space in front and in behind.
“He is a clever player, he’s an international player. He’s played against some of the best players in the world. His finishing is good to be fair. The one he fluffed he took a bit too long and let the ‘keeper get a little bit close, but the one he scored was a screamer. Two goalkeepers wouldn’t have stopped it.”
What Daniel Farke said about James post-Leeds win
As mentioned, Farke was also very complimentary about James when speaking post-match. It is clear to see just how much he rates him.
Farke believes James is always the man for Leeds who steps up in the tight matches, hailing it as a ‘special day’ for the Welshman.
He said: “Key player. So important. Since I was his manager he has always chipped in with goals and assists. I know that was a criticism in his previous years. Always puts a shift in.
“Can drive the game forward. Decisive moments and crucial goals. The five or six-goal wins are good, but he is there in the 2-1 or 1-0 wins. Top-class human being. Special day for him.
“He has improved his finishing a lot. Missed chances in the first half. Deliveries too. This is a sign of his maturity. He is not affected by this, and he is really spot on still when it is needed.”
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