Wales manager Rob Page says Leeds star Dan James is not a centre-forward – a position that the speed machine has played for much of the campaign under Marcelo Bielsa. James has filled in for the injured Patrick Bamford.
Signed for £25million from Manchester United last summer, 24-year-old James was brought in to offer competition to the likes of Jack Harrison and Raphinha on the flanks. But Bamford’s injury has seen him play up top.
Clocking up 28 appearances in the Premier League, he has managed just four goals – two of which came in a 3-3 draw with Aston Villa. Bamford has been incredibly unlucky with injury, now ruled out for the entire season.
With James currently on international duty and formed a two-man strike force with Gareth Bale in a 2-1 win over Austria. But Wales boss Page does not believe James is a centre-forward, despite Bielsa using him up top.
“Dan is not an out and out striker,” Page said, as per the Yorkshire Post. “He’s evolved over the last few months. He’s gone from playing wide left to a centre-forward. “But he’s a talented footballer with unbelievable pace.
“He can score goals and he’s creating chances. When centre-forwards are not creating chances that’s the time to worry. The goals will come. He was brilliant against Austria and what he does for the team is unbelievable.”
Page on James: Leeds need to sign a striker as cover for Bamford
Or, Jesse Marsch needs to throw his trust behind Joe Gelhardt. The youngster has already scored two senior goals – against Chelsea and then the dramatic winner against Norwich. He was on the bench at Wolves.
Sam Greenwood came on against Wolves to replace Bamford, perhaps indicating that Marsch prefers James out wide. Gelhardt had a knock. It will be interesting to see who starts up top against Southampton on Saturday.
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