£25m Leeds attacker says he would play in defence if Jesse Marsch asked him too

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Dan James has told The Independent that if Jesse Marsch asked him to play as a right-back for Leeds United – then he would. The Wales international was reflecting on a wonderful few months for both club and country.

England-born James, 25, finally completed a long-awaited move to Leeds last summer from Manchester United – for a princely sum of £25million (Athletic). He had a hand in nine goals during 36 appearances for Leeds last season.

It comes after almost joining Leeds in January 2019, even picking a squad number and passing a medical – only for a deal to fall through. Now at Leeds, he helped the Whites secure Premier League safety, just.

Then, with Wales, he was a crucial part of Rob Page’s side that reached the World Cup finals in Qatar. Reflecting on the last few months, he was asked about his versatility – and says he would even play right-back if Marsch told him too.

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“If I just say one position then it’s not going to improve me as a player. Playing a lot of different positions last year has really helped me come along, on and off the field, how I see the game, mentally as well.

“So I’m happy to play anywhere across the front four. I’d play right-back if he wanted me to, but every position up there,” Leeds attacker James told the Independent, when asked what his favoured role is.

James would play right-back for Leeds if Marsch asked him too

It is a brilliant attitude to have. Ask most wingers in the Premier League if they would entertain playing in defence and the majority would say no. You cannot imagine Jack Grealish or Phil Foden being open to playing in defence.

But James has that work rate, that under-lying aggression that at points, boils over. His red card against Chelsea, his immediate yellow in the first few minutes against Ukraine. He will do everything to win, for the team.

Sometimes, that can be to his detriment – but it also makes him a team player, one that will do anything to get the victory. If it means playing at right-back, so be it.