Leeds United welcome Championship side Norwich City to Elland Road today as the two sides battle to book their place in the FA Cup quarter-final.
Daniel Farke is expected to make multiple changes to his lineup ahead of the game, with the likes of Ao Tanaka chomping at the bit to get some minutes.
These cup games allow players like Tanaka, who have been watching on from the sidelines, to stake their claim for a place in Leeds’ starting XI for the backend of the Premier League campaign.
However, one Leeds player in particular is arguably playing to prove he should still be at the club, should he be selected by Farke later this afternoon.
Dan James has a point to prove against Norwich
James, 28, was a revelation for Leeds in the Championship last season, but has yet to impress for the Whites whilst they have been in the top-flight.
In fairness, the Welsh winger has struggled with injuries this season, which have seen him turn into a forgotten figure at Elland Road at times after being Leeds’ best player when they won promotion.
However, even when he has been available, James has still regularly found himself on the bench, with his role reduced to being an impact substitute with the likes of Willy Gnonto, when United are behind in games.
Given Farke’s change in formation to a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 with Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson performing extremely specific roles out wide when Leeds deploy two wingers, there does not seem to be a natural place for James in this Leeds team as thing stands.
That is why if the winger does play against Norwich, he must put in a display that forces Farke to reconsider where James stands in the pecking order at Leeds.
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Data suggests Dan James has been poor so far this season
Whilst a lack of consistent minutes has not allowed James to really get in a rhythm so far this season, for the most part, his performances have not warranted that he be thrown back into the starting XI on a regular basis.
- James has been limited to just four Premier League starts this season, making 14 appearances in total
- The Welshman averages 29 minutes per game, reflecting his standing in the squad as a player on the fringes of the team
- In 407 total minutes, James has yet to score or assist in the Premier League so far this season (Sofascore)
If James fails to impress against Norwich, then he can expect to find himself on the bench effectively until the end of the season, and given the fact that he is meant to be in the prime years of his career, he may have to assess whether being a backup option at Leeds is something he is content with moving forward.
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