Leeds United employee: Dan James tipped for axe v Watford as ‘problem’ spotted
Noel Whelan has tipped Dan James to “make way” for a more natural striking option when Leeds United face Watford on Saturday (9 April).
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Joe Gelhardt or Rodrigo could lead the line in lieu of the 24-year-old.
James has netted just four goals in 27 Premier League starts this term – 12 of which have come in a number nine role.
Potential replacement Gelhardt has left manager Jesse Marsch sweating over his fitness after suffering a suspected dead leg in under-23 action on Monday (4 April).
Leeds United could extend their gap to the drop zone to 11 points with a win over 18th-place Watford – if other results go their way.
Whelan suggested Rodrigo could be another answer to the Whites’ striker “problem”.
“The problem with Dan James in that striker position is that he’s playing like a winger,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“His runs are always the same – in behind and using his pace. But part of a striker’s job is playing with your back to goal, holding the ball up and trying to bring others into play.
“That’s where Gelhardt or Rodrigo would be a more natural choice. I think if James is going to play going forward, it will have to be on that wing.
“With Jack Harrison getting the goal and Raphinha on the other wing, it could be that he’ll have to make way.
“I like to see these jigsaw pieces playing in the correct positions.”
First-choice hitman Patrick Bamford could be out for the remainder of the season after rupturing his plantar fascia.
Leeds United sit 16th in the table and are currently unbeaten in three games.
In other news, Leeds United to listen to offers for defender as transfer plan revealed.