Nico Elvedi debut hints at Leeds United transfer truth while Dan James answers nine-month question — Leeds Live 26/8/26
Two Leeds United players caught the eye vs Nottingham Forest with encouraging clarity emerging
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
Daniel Farke has his second League Cup win of his Leeds
United tenure and has already got double bubble over Nottingham Forest this
season.
It’s worth remembering that Leeds only won away at two
Premier League clubs in normal time throughout the last season. Of course,
these are against the same opponent but that is two victories away at a
top-flight club.
The level of performance in itself was described as
“outstanding” by Daniel Farke, who is pleased with how quickly his new signings
have bedded in. Leeds were the dominant team in all areas on Tuesday and
deserved the win.
The victory also keeps momentum going into Sunday at home
against Brentford and builds the positivity around the club. Leeds have been
good so far - but it could be even better, should they find the attackers they
really want.
Elvedi excels on debut
Nico Elvedi had an almost perfect debut. The Swiss
centre-back has 73 caps for his country and more than 300 Bundesliga
appearances and showed every inch of this experience during the evening.
His composure shone through, never flustered when under
pressure, and his passing was pristine. Whether short or slightly longer, he
was accurate. He also went on a driving run at one stage and kept the ball.
Elvedi was brought in to be Sebastiaan Bornauw’s
replacement, a transfer that may not have happened if the Belgian had not asked
to leave. The 29-year-old could be a better competitor for minutes going
forward.
Sure, this might only be the League Cup but this was against
Premier League opposition and he did not look out of place. In fact, he took to
it like a duck to water.
The only blip was being nutmegged in the build up to Chris
Wood’s chance that was denied by a Joe Rodon wonder-tackle.
James gets his reward
This was Daniel James’ best performance for Leeds for more
than a year and his first goal since netting against Middlesbrough away in
April 2025. He deserved it.
His channel runs were well-timed and his decision making
nearly always spot on. That James was playing in an unnatural hybrid wing-back
role should not be lost amidst the praise. It was the most natural he looked
there.
The winger has shown signs of getting back to his best
during pre-season, looking lively and positive despite not finding that end
product. He finally found it but with better finishing from others he could
have had a bundle of assists last night.
James has had to battle persistent injury over the past
year, having initially pulled up with a hamstring problem in that Middlesbrough
game. Back and other muscle injuries followed.
Farke also outlined post-match that Leeds failed to score
while he was on the pitch during last year's league campaign.
This summer was an important refresh amid the change of
system nine months ago, since when many have been left wondering where he
fitted in. Perhaps now we have the answer.
Paraag Marathe said earlier this summer that he is keen for
the pathway from academy to first-team to remain active, believing there is
talent within the youth ranks. Farke has previously underscored how this has
been a key ‘cornerstone’ of the club.
However, in recent years, few players have made a successful
sustained transition - the last ones perhaps being Archie Gray and Mateo
Joseph. There have been encouraging signs this summer with the likes of Jayden
Lienou, Alfie Cresswell and Callum Mills enjoying good pre-seasons.
Lienou and Cresswell made the bench in both games against
Forest, but Tuesday was their most likely chance of introduction. Neither got
on.
The strength of opponent will have been the main factor and
whomever Leeds draw in the next round of the cup could determine whether they
will get more of a chance, but Farke has underlined that there are never any
gifts. It might be another season of frustration for the academy kids.
