Dan James got some more much needed match minutes into the legs during Leeds United’s 2-1 win over Watford.
James was making just his second appearance since August after picking up a hamstring injury that ruled him out for six matches.
He made his return from the bench in the 2-0 victory over Sheffield United last Friday but looked far more like himself after replacing Wilfried Gnonto against the Hornets.
James provided Daniel Farke’s side with the out ball they needed behind Watford’s defence and alongside Mateo Joseph, helped swing the game back in Leeds’ favour.
After Largie Ramazani was forced off with an injury inside 15 minutes, James will now be pushing for his first start since scoring in the 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday in the third game of the season.
Why James was ‘devastated’ at Leeds teammate in win
On another night, James could quite easily have either ended up with a goal, assist or even both, had his and others’ finishing been better.
During the just shy of half an hour (including stoppage time) James had on the pitch, he created two big chances for his teammates.
James also forced Daniel Bachmann into a good save at his near post, though Joseph felt he should’ve squared the ball across the box instead of shooting.
And that was not the only time the two were left frustrated at one another, with the Yorkshire Evening Post sharing James’ reaction to Joseph’s missed header.
James fashioned a golden opportunity for Joseph to put the game to bed inside the six-yard-box with an inch-perfect cross with the outside of his foot.
Joseph simply couldn’t generate anywhere near enough power or direction on his header to trouble the keeper. As per the report, James was ‘devastated’ at Joseph’s failure to convert what would’ve been a sublime assist.
However, James did later go over to console Joseph, as misses like that for young strikers can have an impact on confidence levels.
- READ MORE: Daniel Farke spotted absolutely raging at one Leeds United player in first half of win over Watford
Why James should start over Solomon for Leeds vs Bristol City
A space in Leeds’ front four could open up against Bristol City due to the untimely injury Ramazani picked up last night.
Ramazani was in some real form until suffering what Daniel Farke said looks like a twisted ankle, and it looks set to open up a spot on the wing.
Manor Solomon was preferred ahead of James in Ramazani’s place but based on the performances off both off the bench, it is the Welshman who deserves to start on Saturday.
James should come in and take his place on the right-wing, with Gnonto shifting over to the other flank.
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