26-year-old Leeds player is really thriving in new role lately after what happened last night

Add as preferred source on Google

The first of Leeds United’s international contingent were in action last night as Wales defeated Finland 4-1.

The home side picked up a comfortable victory at the Cardiff City Stadium, booking their place in Tuesday’s qualification final against Poland, where the winner will progress to this summer’s European Championships.

Four of the five Leeds players involved in the game started last night, with Connor Roberts, Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu all in the Wales XI, and Glen Kamara in Finland’s.

Dan James was the only player named on the bench but was still actually able to make a significant impact in the limited time he had on the field, scoring Wales’ fourth and final goal.

Just four minutes before the end James used his fresh legs to good effect by pressing lacklustre Finland defender Miro Tenho inside his own half, before taking the ball of him and going onto score.

James is thriving in superb sub role for both Leeds and Wales

Coming off the bench is a role James has had to get used to over the last few weeks since returning from a minor injury lay-off in February.

James had very much been Leeds’ first choice right-winger but Willy Gnonto has taken that spot in recent weeks thanks to a run of six goals in his last nine league appearances.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant season at Elland Road and despite his lack of starts recently, he still has not let that diminish his impact on the team.

In his last five appearances from the bench for club and country, James has scored two goals and provided one assist. His sheer pace has proved just too much for tired defenders.

Against Millwall last weekend, he got just 21 minutes of football, yet still managed to find the back of the net, create a big chance and hit the post. He is some asset for both Daniel Farke and Rob Page to have in reserve, and it’s going to be massive for the run-in.

James says he is in best form of career at Leeds

James has scored 12 goals and provided seven assists for Leeds so far this term, and numbers wise, it is undoubtedly the best season of his career.

Prior to this campaign, James had never actually scored more than four in a single season, which shows just how well he has been performing.

Despite his lack of starts over the last few weeks, James said in an interview recently this is the best form he has ever been in.

He said: “Yeah. Obviously, I want to try and give as much as I can to the team. Consistency of games helps a lot. Having a manager that believes in you and players that understand your game. Everyone has moulded this season. It’s been great and I’ve really enjoyed it,”