Dan James lifts lid on Leeds United striker development under Marcelo Bielsa and eyes 'big push' - YEP 11/2/22
Dan James has outlined his next aims in the Leeds United striker role ahead of the "big push" towards the end of the current campaign.
By Lee Sobot
Winger James has regularly been deployed as a centre forward
by Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa of late due to United continually battling
injuries across the front line.
Whites no 9 Patrick Bamford has not started a game since
last September and James was again given the nod in the lone striker role in
Wednesday night's Premier League clash at Aston Villa as other leading options
Joe Gelhardt and Tyler Roberts sat on the bench.
Rodrigo was fielded in the no 10 position - either side of
Raphinha and Jack Harrison on the flanks - and James capped a dazzling display
upfront with a brace.
The Wales international has now netted three goals in his
last four games - and hopes the best is yet to come if and when called for
upfront.
"It's something that we spoke about the other
day," said James to BT Sport, asked about Bielsa playing him in the centre
forward role.
"I want to score more goals, I want to get more assists
and I've got to keep believing and making them runs.
"I got two today but I have got to keep pushing and
I've got to keep making them runs.
"We have obviously had injuries in the team and it
might not be my preferred position but I really enjoy playing there.
"I am learning every day under him and I will continue
to do that."
Bamford has featured just once since injuring his ankle in
the 1-1 draw at Newcastle United on September 17 but recovered from the setback
to come on as a second-half substitute in December's hosting of Brentford.
The Whites no 9 came off the bench to score a late equaliser
in a 2-2 draw against the Bees but injured his hamstring celebrating the goal.
The striker was then nearing a comeback last month only to
suffer a new injury to the sole of his foot.
Leeds still had nearly half a team out injured for
Wednesday's contest Villa Park but Jamie Shackleton and Adam Forshaw returned
from recent setbacks to be part of the matchday squad at Villa Park, Forshaw on
as an 86th-minute substitute in the 3-3 draw.
Junior Firpo is also expected to be back available for
either Saturday's fixture at Everton or the following weekend's clash at home
to Manchester United having suffered a hamstring injury in last month's victory
at West Ham.
Captain Liam Cooper and England international Kalvin
Phillips are also in the final stages of their recoveries from hamstring
setbacks picked up in December's draw at home to Brentford and both are
expected to be fully recovered by the beginning of March.
Charlie Cresswell returned from a dislocated shoulder when
playing for United's under-23s against Liverpool on Monday night, the defender
on for the full duration of the 3-0 win against the young Reds.
Sam Greenwood has been out since injuring his knee in last
month's cup clash against West Ham.
"Obviously we have got people coming back in which is
great," said James.
"We always want additions to the squad.
"I think the young lads have done really well, the ones
that have played that contribution as well.
"We need players obviously to come back for that big
push at the end of the season."
