After nearly joining Leeds two years ago, Dan James finally completed his move to Elland Road as the transfer window came to a close.
The Welshman by no means disappointed at Manchester United after joining in 2019. In fact, James impressed initially after his move leading many Leeds fans to rue their missed opportunity to sign the young winger.
However, things stalled in Manchester leading to this move. Now he has a chance to get back on the horse and show the world his quality but this time in West Yorkshire.
But it won’t be easy for the former Swansea star. In fact, he’s not a guaranteed starter following the performances of Jack Harrison and Raphinha. To get into Leeds’ strongest XI he’ll have to dislodge one of the two or re-invent himself in a new position with some suggesting he could do a job in midfield.
James himself has acknowledged this in an interview with the Daily Telegraph. In the interview, he addressed the move and the role he expects Marcelo Bielsa to play in his development and growth as a player.
He said: “You’ve seen with the players he’s had over the years how much he’s improved them. That’s the thing I’m looking forward to most – seeing how he sees football.
“He obviously thinks I can fit in that system. But don’t get me wrong, I don’t think I’m going to walk into that team.
“Hopefully I can adapt quickly to the system but I think it’s going to take me a little while. It’s very tactical but he’s got a way of playing that I feel suits me.”
The question is though, can Bielsa develop him so much that he forces his way into the first team beyond Jack Harrison or Raphinha. Time will tell.
