Phillips slams ‘naive’ Leeds after embarrassing James reveal
Kevin Phillips feels sorry for Dan James after Leeds United lost to Newcastle United on Saturday.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Sunderland and England striker insisted the 24-year-old is “not a striker” and cannot be expected to impress in that position.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side slipped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United on Saturday.
James spearheaded the Whites attack in the absence of the injured Patrick Bamford but struggled to make an impact on the game.
The winger completed just 44 per cent of his attempted passes and touched the ball just 15 times. [WhoScored]
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of James’ performance, Phillips said: “It’s not ideal for him because he’s not a striker.
“He probably does not know how to play in that position. He has unlikely ever played it. I’m sure he would have received some coaching during the week but that’s not enough. It’s hard to do unless you’ve been doing it week in, week out.
“We all know that Leeds have been very naive in the transfer market by not buying another striker who can cover for Bamford.
“When you play a winger up front it is not the same. Yes, Man City do it but there team is full of world-class players.
“It is clear that they have left themselves short in that area and it is costing them.”
In other news, Leeds have been tipped by a pundit to ‘sign’ Aaronson ‘soon’ after source’s transfer update.