The international break started proper midweek as many Leeds United stars were called into action by their national teams. A total of 12 players featured in the last three days.
Seven senior players were in the matchday squad, while five players also featured at youth level.
Kai Worall, Jacob Howard, Samuel Alker, Jean-Matteo Bahoya and Harry Gray were involved in the games played since Wednesday.
Overall it was not a bad outing for some, while others had games to forget.
This international window is the longest in recent history, with most teams set to play three or four games in just over three weeks. It presents the chance for some players to get some minutes under their belt.
International roundup as Leeds United stars feature in first round of fixtures
Dan James. Credit: IMAGO
Ao Tanaka came off the bench as Japan beat Uruguay in an international friendly.
Jayden Lienou was called up by Craig Bellamy, but continues to wait for his Wales debut. Ethan Ampadu and Dan James both played in the Nations League game against Portugal.
Anton Stach was also in action for Germany in their draw with the Netherlands.
The midfielder came on after 64 minutes, replacing Lukas Nmecha. But the Leeds man will not be pleased with his cameo; in his 26 minutes on the pitch he only made six out of nine passes and failed to win a ground duel.
He was dribbled past once and committed a foul which summed up an uneventful night.
Friday night saw Tarik Muharemovic put in a solid performance as Bosnia kept a clean sheet against Poland. The Leeds defender made six clearances and blocked a shot in the game.
Gabriel Gudmundsson made a 14-minute cameo in Sweden’s win over Romania.
READ MORE: Leeds international roundup: Debut beckons as £25m man fights to prove his worth
Dan James’ form continues to raise concern
Thursday night saw Dan James make a cameo for Wales in their Nations League clash against Portugal.
Craig Bellamy made the decision to bring the experienced international off the bench. The game needed an attacking spark with the away side down a goal in the second half.
And in his 26 minutes on the pitch, James found himself on the end of a huge opportunity to draw the game level.
A brilliant run by Brennan Johnson saw him attempt a cross-cum-shot which bounced off the crossbar. Two Wales players got into each other’s way as they tried to convert the opportunity.
Lewis Koumas saw his effort blocked on the goal line by Ruben Dias, and Dan James failed to muster a proper shot attempt as Diogo Costa gladly scooped up the ball.
The winger’s form at club level has not been great in the last few months, and now that could be creeping into the national team.
