Leeds United employee issues exciting Dan James training ground claim
Noel Whelan has tipped Jesse Marsch to start Dan James up front for Leeds United against Crystal Palace on Monday.
The former Leeds striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the American boss will have been working with the 24-year-old in training to maximise his pace against the Eagles.
Naturally a winger, James has started four of Marsch’s six Premier League games in charge as a makeshift striker.
He played 67 minutes in the 3-0 win against Watford, contributing an assist.
Whelan insisted Palace have proven they struggle with speed and pace this season.
As such, he suggested James could prove a potent threat at Selhurst Park.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I really don’t think he would change the front three for this match.
“I think he’s gonna go with the tried and trusted, the ones that have done it for him in the first games of his reign.
“When you’re looking at the team Crystal Palace will probably put out, I think pace is something that is going to hurt them in behind.
“He’ll probably go with Dan James to lead the line. We’re coming in off the back of a great win away from home, going back down to London again.
“I think Jesse March will have welcomed these two weeks to be able to work with the front three. To really nail down his plans, how he is going to get behind and how to hurt Crystal Palace.
“I think pace could be the one on Monday night that really troubles the backline of Crystal Palace. We’ve got pace in abundance if you think about Harrison, Dan James, Raphinha.
“If they’re on the money on Monday night, it could be a real thorn in the sides of Crystal Palace. If you play up against the backline of Palace, that’s where they want you.
“When you’re running in behind, I don’t think any defender likes that, especially when you’ve got the pace of our front three.”
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