Leeds United winger Daniel James suffered a massive heartbreak this week as Wales failed to qualify for the 2024 Euro Championships.
In the play-off final clash in Cardiff, Wales were knocked out by Poland in the penalty shoot-out, where James missed the crucial penalty.
The Whites winger was consoled by other Leeds teammates and Wales players immediately. Leeds duo Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon were stunned by the defeat as Wales were arguably the better side of the two.
The 26-year-old has been one of the key players for Daniel Farke’s side, and he did well for Wales in two matches coming from the bench. While great players have missed penalties in the past, talkSPORT pundit, Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested that he knew James would miss it.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor says that James is not technically sound, although he has other good attributes.
“When I heard Dan James, when I saw he was the one that’s going to take it, I knew he was going to miss,” said Agbonlahor.
“If you watch Dan James as a player, he has got very good attributes, but technically he is not great.”
Leeds United need Dan James to deliver
James is a fantastic winger who is very good at crossing and finishing. He was the first-choice winger at the start of the season and has managed 12 goals and seven assists in the Championship.
After he picked up an injury, he lost his place to Willy Gnonto. The Italian has grabbed the opportunities with both hands and has been superb since the turn of the year. James has still made valuable contributions from the bench, scoring in the 2-0 win over Millwall before the international break.
Gnonto is doubtful for Leeds’ clash against Watford at Vicarage Road on Friday, and Farke could bring James into the starting line-up. It is also a great opportunity for him to get over the disappointment and deliver for the Whites who are chasing automatic promotion.
Leeds could also be without Wales defender Connor Roberts who limped off against Poland. Farke said the 28-year-old full-back will be assessed before the game.
