Welsh media’s verdict on Dan James on Tuesday night aligns with Daniel Farke’s “gut-feeling” on Leeds United star

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Over the last 18 months, there has been a significant improvement in the form of Leeds United star Dan James. The winger is taking more shots, more risks, and ending up with better numbers.

When James came through at Swansea, his brief spell at Old Trafford and then his first couple of years at Leeds United, the winger’s end product was always under the microscope. But Daniel Farke has helped.

James thinks he is in the form of his life, saying as much during the second half of last season. Clearly, Farke has ordered James to have a go at goal more, not scoring any goals from the shots he doesn’t take.

But that end product is still not overly convincing. His goal against Plymouth even, a 25-yard rocket, still did not look overly fluent and on Tuesday night, Welsh media questioned James’ end product again.

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Welsh media question Dan James’ end product despite 4-1 win

James was handed a start after coming off the bench against Turkey, as Wales produced a solid 4-1 win to beat Iceland. With Turkey slipping up against Montenegro, Wales secured Nations League promotion.

The £25m man failed to score or create, but his shot was parried for the second with Liam Cullen to tap home. Cullen got two, while Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson also got their names on the score sheet.

Wales Online gave their verdict, rating him 7/10. They said his end product was lacking: “Didn’t always have the end product, but his pace really stretched Iceland. At the heart of the second goal. Subbed.”

Welsh verdict aligns with Daniel Farke’s “gut-feeling” on James

After a 3-1 win over Swansea in 2023 in which James had scored one and created another, Daniel Farke spoke of James’ end product. Farke said his “gut-feeling” was James could do better in front of goal.

Since joining, James has a total XG of 20.50 – scoring 21 goals, performing as he should in front of goal. He has an XA of 11.3 since 2021, and has laid on 12 assists. The stats show he has end product, just.

While James showed improvement last season, he needs to get back to that form this time around if Leeds are to stand any chance of leapfrogging the likes of Sunderland and Sheffield United in the table.

It is likely James continues with his place in the starting line-up on Sunday when Leeds take on his old side Swansea. It will also see Joel Piroe and Joe Rodon take on their former side, in North Wales.