Leeds United’s wing wonders Dan James and Manor Solomon have struck up quite the partnership in recent weeks.
But, as Daniel Farke’s table-toppers ran riot at home to Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon, arguably the two most feared widemen in the whole of the Championship ascended to all-new plane of greatness.
Solomon is relishing his growing understanding with James at Elland Road, joking that the Welshman has jumped above his wife in the Tottenham Hotspur loanee’s affections.
At least Mrs Solomon has Valentine’s Day to look forward to. Because, as Leeds United destroyed Omer Riza’s Cardiff, Dan James and Manor Solomon spread the adoration around during a performance which would have left every single home supporter feeling a little lovestruck.
James already had one assist to his name – setting up Brenden Aaronson’s sixth minute opener – before he rolled the ball across for Solomon to double Leeds’ advantage.
Farke was disappointed with Dan James’ lack of ruthlessness during Monday’s dull draw at Burnley. There could certainly be no complaints about his end product five days later, the £25 million signing from rivals Manchester United getting in on the act himself just past the interval following a wonderful Junior Firpo cross.
Simon Grayson hails Dan James as Leeds United destroy Cardiff City
“It’s lovely to see,” former Leeds manager Grayson told BBC Sport as his old employers charged into a 2-0 lead with less than a quarter of an hour gone to lay the foundations for an eventual 7-0 drubbing.
“Just when you think Dan James is going to hit it across goal, he finds Manor Solomon who is not going to miss from there.
“Unselfish from James.”
Joel Piroe scored twice while substitutes Willy Gnonto and Mateo Joseph also found the net. After mustering only one shot on target at Turf Moor, this certainly had the makings of a frontline taking their frustration out on a calamitous Cardiff side staggering around the ring like a boxer with a nasty case of concussion from almost the first ring of the bell.
“It’s been such a good strong performance. Leeds have been really positive in their play,” Grayson adds. “They maybe started a little sloppy with their passes but the early goal was a good base.
“Dan James is playing with so much confidence and belief. The Cardiff left-back [Callum O’Dowda] is having such a hard time with him.
“A stunning performance. There’s been so much good movement all round. Leeds were so ruthless and that’s what I was impressed by. They were looking for more goals and determined to keep the clean sheet.
“It was really strong performance. The supporters played their part and the team thrive off that. It was a mixture of both. It’s good to get goals from all over the pitch. They all wanted to score and they were celebrating together.”
Michael Bridges says 2024/25 is Dan James’ best season yet
James is now on eight goals and six assists for 2024/25. Suddenly, last season’s tally of 13 goals and eight assists feels, at the very least, beatable.
“Man of the Match, outstanding performance,” was the verdict of one-time Leeds striker Michael Bridges. “What I love about Dan’s performance, he’s got the goal that he deserved, but its the selflessness.
“And what is the motto of [this team]? Side before self. That is what he is all about. I just think he’s a class act. This season is his best, and if he continues this rich vein of form, we will be seeing Premier League football next season.
“No doubt about it.”
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