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2 reasons why BBC pundit’s Leeds United verdict is spot on

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Leeds United winger Dan James has come in for strong praise following his performance against Watford last weekend.

Leeds didn’t make too many moves in the summer transfer window as Marcelo Bielsa looked to consolidate the side as a Premier League outfit.

However, they did make one of the biggest signings on deadline day as Dan James arrived from Manchester United for a £25million fee.

Not many expected him to have an instant impact just on the basis that players need plenty of time to get up to speed with Bielsa’s high-intensity style.

However, James’ third start of the season for the Whites came against Watford and he showed exactly why Bielsa has wanted him since 2019 and why he was worth the money.

An electric display on the left-wing saw him not only look a huge threat in attack, but also a constant thorn in the Hornets’ side as a part of Leeds’ pressing system.

Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, pundit Danny Murphy believes he’s a great addition to Leeds’ side:

James, he gives them the extra energy and press. He has got a superb attitude and desire to do the right things.

He could have capped off his performance with a goal as well.

Murphy’s points are spot on, and here, we take a look at two reasons why James already looks a good signing for Leeds

His pace is so problematic

There are probably only a handful of full-backs in the league who could keep up with James in a foot race, the rest won’t get near him over 20 yards.

When you think of what James’ strengths are, you instantly think of his lightning speed, but how he uses it is what is so impressive.

We saw that in abundance against Watford, where he should have had another penalty when he got behind William Troost-Ekong despite a two-yard gap to make up, only to be dragged to ground.

It wasn’t the only time it came to Leeds’ advantage, as he had Kiko Feminia chasing his shadow throughout the game, and he won’t be the only full-back to struggle against a Bielsa-primed Dan James.

It says a lot that all three players (Sarr, Femenia, Dennis) who were tasked with keeping James at bay were all booked.

The question marks over his end product will come but you’d expect that to be ironed out as he gets in more effective positions under a tactically far more competent manager than his most previous.

He does his bit without the ball too

The main reason Bielsa was so keen to bring in the winger was not that he can offer us a lot in attack, because there are plenty of wingers who can cause this many problems.

It’s more a case of how well he can integrate into our system without possession on top of that, and he’ll only get more effective with time.

The Watford clash saw James help Leeds turn the ball over frequently and force the visitors into giving the ball away cheaply, something that gave us a lot of territory throughout the game.

Not only that but he was able to do it until the final whistle at the same intensity, keeping Leeds ticking over and allowing them a chance to clear their lines.

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.