Jesse Marsch lauds the impact Dan James can offer Leeds United in any attacking role and believes the summer signing has plenty of room to develop, via the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The Wales winger has started all four of the American’s Premier League games in charge at Elland Road so far. Marsch has also utilised James as a striker at Leicester City and against Aston Villa, before returning the 24-year-old to a wide role against Norwich and at Wolves.
James is yet to find the net under Marsch, but assisted Rodrigo to open the scoring against the Canaries. It was his fourth in 26 top-flight games, while also scoring four, since a £25m move from Manchester United. He scored six and assisted seven in 50 with the Red Devils.
Manchester United rarely experimented with the Welsh livewire through the centre, with just five central appearances while at Old Trafford. Marcelo Bielsa and Marsch have now fielded James in the heart of the Leeds frontline 11 times, more than in any other position.
Jesse Marsch hails ‘aggressive’ Leeds star Dan James as ‘threat for any team’
After a month in charge, Marsch has developed a strong affection for what James can give Leeds in any role. He now hopes to further nurture that potential and have the 30-cap ace grow into the overall system he wants to establish at Elland Road during his Whites tenure.
“I think that Dan is a threat for any team when he plays in any of the front four positions,” Marsch said. “He is very aggressive when he gets into pressing moments.
“I am just trying to get him more and more integrated. He has the versatility to play in any of the front four positions. I like Dan.”
James should earn further chances to showcase his central threat over the remainder of the Premier League season. Patrick Bamford took over striker duties against Norwich and Wolves. But he ruptured his plantar fascia at Molineux, so will now miss at least six weeks.
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