Since making a £25m move to Leeds United last August, it would seem fair to say that Daniel James has not enjoyed the best form of his career during his seven months at Elland Road.
Indeed, over his 29 Premier League appearances this season, the £16.2m-rated winger has scored four goals, registered three assists and missed seven big chances for the Whites, hitting the target with an average of 0.6 shots per game.
These returns have seen the £52k-per-week forward average a rather disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.72, ranking him as Leeds’ joint 13th-worst performer in the top flight.
Unfortunately for James, this record did not improve against Southampton on Saturday afternoon, with the Wales international once again failing to make any kind of impression after being deployed through the middle of Jesse Marsch’s attack.
Made just eight passes
Indeed, over the course of his 59 minutes on the pitch, the former Manchester United attacker enjoyed just 26 touches of the ball, 18 fewer than Illan Meslier between the sticks; completed just eight of his 13 passes, the lowest of any starting outfielder from either team; and lost possession on 13 occasions, meaning he gave the ball away with every other touch.
Furthermore, the 24-year-old also lost all three of his duels, failed to find his man with either of his two attempted crosses and hit the target with just one shot. These returns saw the attacker earn a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.4, ranking him as Leeds’ joint-second worst performer on the day.
Leeds Live’s Beren Cross also appeared less than impressed with the forward, awarding him a six in his own player ratings, stating of the Welshman’s display: “Ran the channels and, with the space Leeds had in the first half, James had the pace to get sights of goal. Fraser Forster equal to the lot though. Lacking that composure and close control around the box to keep chances alive for the team. Easily smothered by defenders.”
As such, it is clear to see that James is simply not suited to leading the line; and exactly why the winger continues to start ahead of Joe Gelhardt is becoming increasingly baffling with each passing week, as it is evident that the player who Darren Bent dubbed “headless” once again failed Marsch against Southampton today.
AND in other news – Forget Ayling: £41k-p/w Leeds dud who made 68% passes was “all over the place” today