Leeds United have been on an unstoppable run in the Championship recently, building momentum at the perfect time.
The dramatic win over Sunderland on Monday (17 February) highlighted how much a return to the Premier League means to Daniel Farke’s team, a return that already feels long overdue.
Dan James has been a central figure in the team’s creativity and excitement this season, establishing himself as one of the top performers in England outside the Premier League.
Dan James ‘only had pace’ – Ian Darke
James has developed into a key player capable of securing victories for Leeds, utilizing his “electric” pace to full effect, according to Ian Darke.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Darke admitted that when James was younger, his speed was his main asset, and he hadn’t yet figured out how to effectively harness it.
The 27-year-old has scored 10 goals and provided six assists in the league this season, with only Joel Piroe (14 goals, six assists) having a better record, though Piroe has played six more matches.
“He’s certainly in the conversation among the best and most effective players in the Championship,” Darke praised.
“When he was younger, he was always exciting with his pace, but you’d think ‘that’s all he has’ – electric pace. Now, as a more mature player, he’s more well-rounded, with added craft, and knows how to use that pace to impact matches.
“He’s important, and he’s certainly right up there. He and Leeds can’t do much wrong.”
Leeds United manager, Daniel Farke [Credit: Imago].
Leeds United need James to stay at his best
Leeds United and their fans have been on a journey with James, starting long before his eventual move to Elland Road.
The infamous image of James holding up a Leeds shirt in 2019 haunted fans as they watched him instead join fierce rivals Manchester United that summer, after Swansea City failed to complete the paperwork on the move.
Finally becoming a Leeds player in 2021, it wasn’t an immediate success, as he later went on loan to Fulham. However, James has now become a talisman, revered by many for his contributions to Farke’s promotion push.
A huge, potentially season-defining clash awaits on Monday (24 February), when Leeds visit Bramall Lane to face Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United. The winner will finish the matchweek at the top of the Championship.
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