Laughing at the Leeds United critics is one way Daniel James stays level-headed on his striker experiment, but using Jesse Marsch’s verdict as a shield against the hate is another method. With Patrick Bamford injured for the majority of the season, Rodrigo preferred behind a frontman and Joe Gelhardt protected from too much exposure, the number nine shirt frequently fell on James’s shoulders.
Ever the willing team player, the Wales international stuck to his task. However, his return of four goals from 32 appearances during a season of struggle for the team overall made it easy for the knives to come out.
James’s role at the head of the attack was not one head coach’s stubborn idea either. First Marcelo Bielsa tried it for long periods without a prolific spell for James, but even the arrival of Marsch would not end the experiment.
