Farke hails James' decisive Leeds contributions

Dan James has 26 goal contributions in 57 Championship games for Leeds

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has praised Dan James after the Wales winger's starring role in Tuesday's 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough.

James marked his 100th appearance for the club by scoring the crucial goal to put his team 2-1 up, as well as playing a key role in the two other Leeds goals.

It was further proof that the 27-year-old is a vital component in the Whites' push for promotion from the Championship.

"Since I am his manager, Dan has always chipped in with end product, with goals and assists, and I know that was a criticism of him in his former years," said Farke.

James was signed for £25m by former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa in the summer of 2021 from Manchester United, but he scored only four goals in his first season and did not completely convince.

So much so that the next season he was shipped off to Fulham on a season-long loan where he started just five league games.

But since returning to Elland Road under Farke in the Championship, James has scored 17 goals in 57 league games and provided nine assists.

Of those 17 goals, 13 have been either the first or second goal for his team - marking him out as a player upon whom Leeds can rely.

"Dan chips in at decisive moments," said Farke. "A 5-0 or 6-0 goal is nice, but not that important. He scores the first goal or the 2-1 - decisive goals.

"He is always open to develop and to improve. He always puts a shift in and is important for our pressing and our counter-attacks.

"What he has done for us as a club is excellent and he's a top-class human being. We're all happy that we have him."