Leeds United have a lot of choices in a variety of positions, and Daniel James can only see the advantages of such tight competition for positions.
At Leeds United, options such as Jack Harrison, Crysencio Summerville, Wilfried Gnonto, Luis Sinisterra, Ian Poveda, and Georginio Rutter will keep Daniel James honest. If that army of wingers remains intact by September 2, the Whites will always have firepower off the bench in the Championship next season.
That is a big if. With less than a month left in the transfer window, the vultures will circle with growing desperation as time passes and early results go against them. James is not expected to leave the house.
During his season-long loan at Craven Cottage, the 25-year-old would start just five Premier League games for Fulham. Marco Silva‘s team had little chance of making it permanent, while United’s relegation presented the ideal reset for a winger who established his reputation in the second division with Swansea City.
While whispers swirled about this squad’s Harrisons, Summervilles, and Gnontos, James would be an increasingly experienced bedrock on whom the new manager could rely. Since James began pre-season, Daniel Farke has started the Wales international in the last three friendly.
This weekend, James and Sinisterra appear to be in the lead for starts on the sides. The former views the high level of competition for available positions as a positive.
“It’s brilliant,” he exclaimed. “You can’t really settle in that position with players around you.” You must persevere, give your all, and recognise that players in your situation can perform admirably.
“We have excellent options in every area of the field.” We aim to make a strong showing this season. We have high expectations, so it’s critical that we have the support of a strong bench.
“We also have some very good young players.” We have a terrific balance of veteran and young players, as well as competition in each area, which is fantastic for the entire team.”
When Marcelo Bielsa finally got his man in 2021, James had three years left on his five-year contract. After signing for about £25 million, the Hull native has four goals and five assists in 41 games for Leeds.
He still wants to push on at Elland Road, and it was plain to him that he wanted to return and make things right before the end of his London loan.
“I spent my time down at Fulham last season, and towards the end of the season, you start thinking about what you’re going to do next season,” he explained. “It was right for me to return; I wanted to help the team.”
“I want to help the team as much as I can this year.” I’m overjoyed to be back. I’m excited to play at Elland Road again, and I simply want to keep going.”
“It’s always difficult not to be there, not to be able to help,” he added. That was always difficult, but I was gone. I couldn’t do anything about it, so I simply had to focus on myself, knowing that whatever occurred, I’d be back next season.”
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