Marcelo Bielsa has praised Dan James in his pre-Everton press conference – as per Leeds Live – after the Wales ace netted a brace for Leeds on Wednesday night. He was crucial in nabbing a point against Aston Villa.
James, 24, has been moulded into a makeshift striker of late – with Patrick Bamford sidelined and Tyler Roberts struggling to make an impact at Elland Road. Joe Gelhardt has also been injured, and is still a rookie at this level.
The Wales international now has three goals in his last four Premier League matches for Leeds, also nabbing one in a 3-1 win over Burnley. With Bamford out, the summer signing is becoming more and more important.
Bielsa discussed his relationship with club-record signing Rodrigo – who played as a 10 in front of Mateusz Klich and Robin Koch on Wednesday. He said James has the capacity to make space for the likes of Rodrigo.
“They complement each other. James is constantly opening up spaces for Rodrigo. They complement each other because Rodrigo has a good capacity for the pass and James has good capacity to find the space,” Bielsa said.
Bielsa on James: Leeds star getting better and better under Bielsa
As James continues to start, continues to get minutes and continues to score goals – his confidence is growing. It was evident when Bielsa looked to bring on Tyler Roberts and James looked to the bench – as if to say, no thanks.
He is thriving up top – a position that many would have suggested would have been difficult for him to shine in. He is just 5ft 5in, lacks strength – but his movement and pace, as Bielsa alludes to, makes up for those areas.
He is becoming a real threat up top and if Leeds are to get themselves out of the relegation mire, James will be crucial to that.
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