Leeds fans have little to worry in the face of a relegation battle if Dan James continues his current form, according to Wales manager Rob Page. James made his 30th cap for his country as Wales emerged triumphant over Austria in a do-or-die World Cup semi-final thanks to a sensational brace from Welsh talisman Gareth Bale and was integral in the performance, despite scuffing three gilt-edged chances to put the game away in the second half.
The 24-year-old winger was a confounding nuisance for the inveterate Austrian side all evening long as his rapacious pressing and runs in behind provided Wales with ample opportunities to capitalise, including an early effort in the opening 100 minutes between himself and Aaron Ramsey that immediately galvanised an invigorated Wales home crowd.
It was James’ clever link-up play with Fulham attacker and compatriot Harry Wilson that won the free-kick Bale so sumptuously slotted into the top right corner. Then six minutes into the second half, James’ cross in from a short corner routine ultimately provided Wales’ crucial second as Bale latched onto a steadying touch by Spurs defender Ben Davies and splintered home another impeccable right-foot shot beyond Austria’s flailing Heinz Lindner in goal.
James’ trademark energy aggression meant a particularly torrid night for defender Aleksandar Dragovic who worked in vain to keep tabs on the attacker hellbent on breaking beyond his scope. However, despite three enviable chances splayed on a platter for the defender, James’ off-and-on efficacy in front of goal came to haunt and left many Wales fans tensely hoping the fluffed opportunities did not come back to bite.
James’ ability to be clinical in front of goal has largely served as the caveat to his game, particularly since moving away from his preferred position hugging the left touchline and instead operating as a centre-forward for Leeds since Patrick Bamford’s injury. With four goals and three assists in 26 appearances for Leeds United since his move from Manchester United in the fall, James has relished the most consistent season of his career, and his confidence in front of goal has grown exponentially since his arrival. James has taken 49 shots in total for Leeds this season compared to the 17 for Manchester United last season and 42 in his first season as a Red Devil.
The attacker’s ability to find himself in tantalising positions is a near guarantee, but his efficiency to finish off the job often leads much to be desired. Still, Wales manager Robert Page assured that any worries should not be heeded, even as Leeds United could face a precarious relegation battle.
“He’s a talented footballer. He has unbelievable pace. He can score goals. He’s creating chances and the minute centre-forwards aren’t creating chances, that’s the time to worry, but he’s creating chances for himself and the goals will come, absolutely. With Dan, he’s not an out-and-out striker. He’s evolved over the last few months. He’s gone from playing wide left to playing centre-forward in a 3-5-2, so he’s learning how to adapt.”
Page hailed the attacker’s performance off-the-ball, particularly as James shouldered the extra defensive burden of compensating for a less agile Bale to force Austria into turnovers.
“I thought he was brilliant last night. What he does for the team is unbelievable. He makes opposition defenders drop deeper because of his pace which in turn creates more space for the creative players of Gareth, Aaron, Harry Wilson and Joe Allen. It’s little things like that that supporters don’t necessarily see with that threat as well and that pace in behind and the influence he has on opposition defenders.”
Leeds United entered the international break with a seven-point buffer to the bottom three and looked to have arrested what was quickly becoming a torrential relegation slide. Yet, all four sides below Leeds tout games in hand and any assurance outside the drop zone will be contingent on solid performances from the Lilywhites.
And Page has assured that James is a well experienced player that will not be daunted be the threat of a relegation scrap. “DJ won’t be fazed by things like that. He’s experienced, he would take things like that in his stride no problem,” Page said.
