Dan James could play ‘number eight’ role for Leeds – Mills
Danny Mills has suggested Dan James could line up in central midfield for Leeds United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Whites and England defender claimed James would be a significant upgrade on Tyler Roberts in the middle of the park.
The 23-year-old completed a move from Manchester United to Leeds on deadline day earlier this week.
He came close to signing for the Yorkshire giants in January 2019 before Swansea City pulled the plug at the 11th hour.
The Wales international then moved to Man United later that year.
Asked whether James was an upgrade on Leeds’ current options, Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I do.
“Obviously he’s a player that they were interested in a couple of years ago. He’s a player who has now got a lot more experience and big-game experience. He’s worked with some big players at a global club, which bodes well.
“What I like about him is that he’s got energy, he’s got pace, fantastic fitness levels. I think he will come into this side and fit in straight away, almost immediately.
“He’s got all those attributes that you want in a Bielsa player.
“It’s just interesting now where he’s going to fit in. Raphinha could play off the right, [Jack] Harrison off the left. Kalvin Phillips as the holding player. Then two number eights in Rodrigo and Dan James in free roles. Or, you could have Raphinha in one of those roles and James out on the right-hand side.
“It gives you one or two options. His energy, his quality, without being too disrespectful of the other option, Tyler Roberts, it is a big upgrade.
“The fee isn’t that bad either really.”
In other news, Leeds United have rejected bids for a player from six clubs.