John Hartson told the Football Show on Sky Sports (06/09/21 at 10:20 am) that Leeds United new boy Daniel James ‘has a lot of work to do’ to his game.
The former striker thinks James, who moved to Leeds on transfer deadline day, needs to improve his quality in the final third.
Before he can don Leeds colours, James has been in action for Wales over the international break, who beat Belarus 3-2 in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
Gareth Bale netted a hat-trick, including a last-minute winner, with the assist provided by James.
But whilst Hartson feels James will fit in ‘quite comfortably’ under Marcelo Bielsa’s style at Elland Raad, he had a blunt message for his fellow countryman.
“I think the way Bielsa plays with the high press and the constant hard work,” said Hartson. “Then I think Dan James will fit into that way of playing quite comfortably.
“I still feel Dan James still has a lot to do, in terms of his all-round game. I think he can improve his final ball.
“He has terrific pace and he likes to run in-behind. But I still think his final ball still has a lot of work to do, in terms of improving his all-round game.”
Last season, the Whites secured a top ten finish in the Premier League, in what was a positive return to the big time after nearly two decades in the wilderness.
But like the Newcastle side of the ’90s, Leeds were the entertainers of the Premier League last term and a player like James will only add more spice to that.
With his speed on one flank and Raphinha’s trickery on the other, then those Leeds fans are going to get their money’s worth.
That will all be on show against Liverpool this weekend, with Jurgen Klopp’s side visiting Elland Road on Sunday.
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