It is hard to find a Leeds United player that has played particularly poorly this season, with arguments made even for those not producing the form they are capable of.
Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell, Dan James, Manor Solomon and more could argue they are in the best form of their careers under the guidance of Daniel Farke as Leeds boss.
In terms of players that are struggling, Illan Meslier has been dropped but he has still kept 21 clean sheets this season. Brenden Aaronson is hot and cold but he’s still had a hand in 11 goals for Leeds this season.
Joel Piroe might not have scored in his last nine starts, but the Dutchman did have a hand in 21 goals in the first 34 games of the season. But there is one standout player and Simon Grayson has had his say.
Simon Grayson heaps praise on Leeds United winger Dan James
James is fit again after suffering a hamstring injury against Middlesbrough. It saw him miss the Preston win and only manage a late substitute outing against Oxford – but he could be in line to start vs Stoke.
The Wales ace has had a hand in 21 goals like Piroe, in less minutes. Nominated for the Championship Player of the Season award, former Leeds manager Grayson delivered his verdict on the £25m signing.
“Everyone knows I’m a Leeds supporter, so I’m sure there’ll be accusations of bias. But for me, the Player of the Season is Dan James. What’s impressed me is the way he has learned the game over the years.
“When you’re a speed merchant like Dan, it’s easy to rely solely on pace. When he was coming through at Swansea – that was enough,” Grayson told The Football League Paper in his summary of winger James.
“But unless you’re Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, you will eventually come up against players who are quicker, cleverer and stronger. That’s when you need to mix things up and add different dimensions.”
Leeds absolutely have to tie down Dan James as soon as possible
What will be a concern for Leeds fans is that James is about to enter the final year of his Leeds contract, having penned a five-year deal when he joined the club from Manchester United in the summer of 2022.
James was treated harshly. Pushed up top due to injuries by Marcelo Bielsa, Jesse Marsch wrongly outed him and he was shipped on loan to Fulham. Now back at Leeds, Farke is getting the best out of James.
Minutes per goals and assists in Leeds squad:
| Name | Games | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Minutes per G+A |
| Dan James | 36 (30 starts) | 2620 | 12 | 9 | 124.8 |
| Manor Solomon | 36 (27 starts) | 2337 | 9 | 9 | 129.9 |
| Joel Piroe | 43 (33 starts) | 2856 | 15 | 6 | 136 |
| Willy Gnonto | 40 (23 starts) | 2047 | 6 | 5 | 186 |
Leeds need Premier League experience and James has it, for three different clubs. If The Whites are to stand a chance of survival in the Premier League, then they need players like James. He needs a contract.
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