Leeds Winger ‘Failed To Impress’ In Heated International Friendly

For a friendly game, Tuesday evening’s clash between Wales and Canada offered plenty of takeaways from a Leeds United perspective.

Wales suffered their second defeat under manager Craig Bellamy, falling 1-0 to former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch’s Canadian side.

A Derek Cornelius free-kick was the only moment that separated the two teams across 90 minutes.

The managers clashed briefly after full-time, with premature Canadian celebrations sparking tensions, following on from a number of heated incidents during the match in Swansea.

Bellamy fielded an experimental line-up, giving chances to youngsters and rotational players. Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow remained an unused substitute, having featured in Wales’ win over Kazakhstan a few days earlier.

The loss may have ruled several fringe players out of Bellamy’s plans ahead of October’s World Cup qualifiers. That could see more minutes handed to Darlow, Daniel James, Joe Rodon and the currently injured Ethan Ampadu in the next international break.

James Delivers Poor Performance

Despite a poor performance, Wales regular Daniel James is unlikely to be dropped. Still, the winger faces questions over his form, having failed to deliver in any of his appearances this season – whether for Leeds or for Wales.

Welsh media outlet Y Clwb Pel-Droed rated James’ performance as 5/10.

Speaking to Match of the Day Waled after the 1-0 loss to Canada, he said:

“I think we’ve got to take the positives. It comes down to a free-kick, it’s a great free-kick.

“I thought we played well in spells, we know their quality and they’re a great team on and off the ball.”

James missed a big chance early on, clashed with Richie Laryea, and saw several of his deliveries go unmet in the box.

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Marsch Gets One Over James

When Jesse Marsch was in charge of Leeds, he sanctioned James’ loan move to Fulham in 2022 following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Before the game, Marsch praised James while also reflecting on his past links to Welsh players during his time in West Yorkshire:

“Dan James is a great guy. A great player, really committed, a team guy. Very dynamic, high quality. I really like Dan as a person and as a player. Ethan [Ampadu] was at Leipzig after I left and he left before I came back.

We talked about trying to acquire Joe [Rodon] when I was at Leeds. I understand the Welsh connection and I also had Cameron Toshack on my staff.”

While complimentary before kick-off, Marsch will have been quietly satisfied to take the win – one with plenty of Leeds connections attached.

Failed Leeds Target Also Underperforms

As Leeds regroup for their Premier League campaign, they are still dealing with the fallout from their deadline-day missteps. One of those involved Fulham’s Harry Wilson.

Leeds failed to secure the midfielder’s signature after Fulham missed the deadline to submit their deal sheet.

Wilson featured in the game against Canada alongside James, and also provided a lacklustre 5/10 performance.

Attacking Options Could Push Winger Out Of Favour

Wherever the setting, James needs to make more of his opportunities. Summer signing Noah Okafor is expected to push hard for a regular starting place on the left, while Wilfried Gnonto has shown glimpses of form on the right.

Although there will be plenty of matches to spread minutes around this season, James risks slipping down the pecking order unless his form improves.

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