Leeds United Handed 10-Goal Blueprint For Forgotten Star: Should Farke Act?

Leeds United Handed 10-Goal Blueprint For Forgotten Star: Should Farke Act? Leeds United could have a 10-goal attacking option sitting on the bench, with former Wales international Robert Earnshaw identifying exactly what Dan James must change to improve his contribution under Daniel Farke. Leeds United: Earnshaw identifies James’s route to 10 goals The winger has endured a frustrating start to the Premier League campaign, collecting just 52 minutes across three substitute appearances without earning a league start. However, his performances for Wales have offered a reminder of the attacking qualities he can bring. James delivered an impressive display against Norway during the international break, finding the net in the 38th minute after attacking the far post to meet Sorba Thomas’s cross. He then won the foul that allowed Neco Williams to score the winning goal. Speaking on the BBC, as relayed by Leeds Live , Earnshaw highlighted the winger’s movement and willingness to attack space behind defenders. He believes James can reach 10 goals in a season if he regularly makes those far-post runs. Earnshaw even referenced James’s previous performance against Nottingham Forest in the cup, where his running and ability to take on opponents caught his attention. His central message was straightforward. James must attack the penalty area more frequently rather than remaining outside it when teammates deliver crosses. “I do want to pick him out because I thought he was excellent and it was interesting,” said Earnshaw, speaking on the BBC after the match. “A few weeks ago I did his game against Nottingham Forest for Leeds in the cup, and he was just as good as then. His running, when he goes behind, when he has the one-v-one dribble on and then now, this is what I want to see from him more because I want him to get in at the far post because there are ten goals a season in that far post. “He’s got one of them; there’s nine to go, but there are ten goals a season in that far post. If you get yourself in there every so often you will get goals, and I thought he was excellent. I thought Sorba Thomas on the other side was excellent, and inevitably the two do create the goal for Dan James.” There is a clear reason behind that advice. A winger with James’s pace can cause serious problems when defenders lose track of his movement at the far post. Can Daniel Farke give Dan James that freedom at Leeds United? LEEDS, ENGLAND – MAY 17: Daniel James of Leeds United runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Elland Road on May 17, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) However, Leeds face a tactical obstacle. Farke’s back-three formation relies on wing-backs, leaving limited space for a conventional winger in the starting eleven. James’s international role benefits from Wales having natural wide players who supply crosses into the penalty area. Sorba Thomas provided exactly that against Norway, creating the opportunity for James to attack the far post. Leeds United cannot simply reproduce that arrangement without considering their existing structure. The club have collected five consecutive league games without defeat and sit fifth, making unnecessary tactical changes difficult to justify. My opinion is that Farke should use James as an impact substitute, particularly after the 60th minute, when tired defenders struggle to follow quick attacking runs. Cup appearances could provide further opportunities to build confidence and regularity. Ten Premier League goals might be an ambitious target given his limited involvement, especially after he scored 12 times in the Championship during 2024-25 but managed none in 409 Premier League minutes last season.