Micah Richards believes that Daniel James has shown some real signs of improvement since his summer move to Leeds United.
James joined the club on deadline day from Manchester United and after a slow start to life at Elland Road, is beginning to prove his worth.
In the absence of last season’s 17-goal marksman Patrick Bamford, James has often had to fill in up front for Leeds, with each of his last five league starts coming in that role.
The 24-year-old has often been criticised for his lack of end product throughout his career but took a huge step forward in the Whites’ 3-3 draw with Aston Villa on Wednesday.
James scored his first career brace in the West Midlands, including an extremely clinical finish from the corner of the 18-yard box to open the scoring.
It’s not just the goals that impressed Richards at Villa Park, though, but his intelligent movement and link-up play too.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, the former Manchester City defender claimed that James is now really beginning to adapt to the position.
He said: “He scored what two goals before the Villa game and he got another two today. I thought his all-round game was outstanding.
“He has played in a central role. At Manchester United, he used to get into some very good positions and fluff his lines a little.
“But I am now seeing a more measured and composed approach. His runs in behind, going from out to in. As a defender, it’s an absolute nightmare – and his link-up play is very good as well.
“Playing on the wing, to play as a striker, it’s different because you have your back to goal. You are playing against Mings and Konsa, who are very strong – no defender wants to play against pace and movement – and I think in this Leeds side he is coming of age.”
