Leeds United came back to winning ways last weekend with a 1-0 win over Tottenham, but not everyone in Daniel Farke’s squad has been getting the opportunities they would like.
Competition for places has increased following the summer recruitment, leaving some established players having to be patient for regular minutes.
One of those on the fringes has now spoken openly about the situation, admitting that being left out is not always easy to accept.
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Dan James opens up on frustration at Leeds
Dan James has admitted that he gets frustrated when he is not playing regularly for Leeds, but insists he is doing everything possible to make himself available whenever Farke calls upon him.
The £25m winger made the admission after Leeds’ 1-0 victory over Tottenham, with Noah Okafor coming off the bench to score the decisive goal.
“I think we’ve had a great start”, James said.
“I think it was very important for us to get a result coming to this international break. I thought we were really good, put on a great performance.
“But yeah, as a player, obviously, I can’t lie, obviously you do get frustrated not playing, but you have to give your all for the team, because ultimately it’s a team game and, even if you’re not getting as many minutes as you want, you want to perform and train every day, push players that are starting as well.”
James has struggled to secure a regular starting role this season, despite remaining an important option for Farke in the wide areas.
Winger insists he is ready whenever Farke needs him
The Welsh international also pointed to his performance against Bournemouth a couple of weeks ago as evidence that he is capable of making an impact when given the opportunity.
“I played against Bournemouth a couple of weeks ago. I felt really good, but ultimately it’s always down to the manager of what team he wants to set up in.
“But I’ve just got to be ready every time, and I feel like I am. I’ve got myself in a good place to whenever I’m called upon, that I feel ready. And I feel really good coming to this camp.”
James’ comments suggest he has no intention of allowing his lack of minutes to affect his attitude or preparation.
For Farke, having a player of his experience and quality ready to contribute from the bench is valuable, particularly during a demanding Premier League campaign.
The challenge for James will be turning his positive training performances into more regular opportunities. He has made no secret of his frustration, but his message is equally clear: he believes he is ready to reclaim a more prominent role at Elland Road.
