Ian Wright told ITV (05/09, 23:09) that he is very excited to see how Dan James fits at Leeds after the summer signing from Manchester United stood out for Wales against Belarus.
James marked his 24th international start and 25th cap with an assist as the Dragons won 3-2 on Sunday. He kept his calm to find Gareth Bale for the Real Madrid forward’s hat-trick with one minute remaining in stoppage-time.
Belarus goalkeeper Sergey Chernik had frequently denied Robert Page’s side in their World Cup qualifying tie at the Zentralstadion Kazan. The Soligorsk shot-stopper kept the hosts in the game after saving Joe Allen’s attempt, before James’ strike sailed narrowly wide.
James impressed Wright with his desire to keep plugging away, trying to create for Wales, in what was his first appearance since joining Leeds in a £25m Deadline Day deal last week.
“I’ve got to say, Daniel James, his output today with his tackles, his interceptions, creating chances; very excited to see how he’s going to get on at Leeds,” Wright said. “It was a very, very good performance from him.”
The Arsenal icon added: “The thing with him, he’s so energetic. He’s so willing, he’s a willing runner, he never stops working. Today, the take-ons. He had the most take-ons, creating, working back, interceptions.
“You watch him and he’s doing all that, and you can envisage him at Leeds and what he’s capable of doing. It’s an exciting time for Leeds and him, it will be a good move for him.”
James shows Leeds what to expect after exciting Wright for Wales
James showed Leeds what they can expect from their Deadline Day signing after exciting Wright for Wales against Belarus. Page’s men seemed set to draw on Sunday, but the 23-year-old kept their last attack alive to assist Bale’s third.
The forward’s game-deciding cross snapped a seven-game drought for an international assist, as Wales moved third in Group E. But the Dragons have two games in hand over Belgium and Czech Republic – who they face after Estonia on Wednesday.
Page will hope James is as creative in midweek and the Leeds forward can capture Wright’s excitement again. Chances were infrequent before the winger left Old Trafford, with just two appearances – totalling 128 minutes – so far this season.
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