James starting to make his mark at Leeds, says Dorigo
FORMER Leeds United man Tony Dorigo says supporters are beginning to see why Marcelo Bielsa forked out £25m for Wales star Daniel James.
The 23-year-old made a summer switch to Elland Road from Manchester United in a deal which could reach as much as £30million if certain clauses are met.
James has begun life with the Whites in positive fashion, with his latest outing against Watford showing fans - and Dorigo - what he is all about.
He has also formed a lethal partnership with team-mate Raphinha, who is able to terrorise opposition defenders on one flank while James does the same on the other.
He also explained the theory behind paying the hefty price tag for the former Swansea City star, saying his character suits the team too.
“You need your best players on the pitch as often as humanly possible,” Dorigo said in his column for the Yorkshire Post
“In Raphinha’s case, having him on one side scaring a full-back is terrific but now we have Daniel James scaring the life out of the other one.
“What you’re seeing from James now is why we spent £25m and why Bielsa was so keen on getting him in. His acceleration is superb.
“I think it’s a given that he’s got the right character, otherwise he wouldn’t have come. He knows what he has to do, works extremely hard for the team going forward and defending. With the ball against Watford he was getting better and better.”
James appears to be enjoying his early days at the club, praising the level of support he has received and commenting on the atmosphere at home games.
“3 points secured, Elland Road was rocking!! #LUFC,” he wrote after the win over the Hornets last weekend.
Bielsa has also been impressed by his impact, with Dorigo’s assessment that James was improving with each match striking the same note as the manager.
“Every time he plays, he plays better than the previous game,” said the Argentine.
“He shows the resources and qualities we know he has. He is going to make a special contribution to our team.
“We have three players very close to each other (Raphinha, James and Jack Harrison).”
James is away with his international teammates preparing for their World Cup qualifying double-header against Czech Republic and Estonia.