Leeds United winger Daniel James experienced sadness this week after Wales failed to qualify for the 2024 Euro Championships.
Wales were eliminated by Poland in the play-off final in Cardiff when James missed a key penalty.
The Whites winger was quickly consoled by his Leeds colleagues and Wales players. Leeds duo Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon were taken aback by the result, despite Wales being undoubtedly the better side of the two.
The 26-year-old has been an important player for Daniel Farke’s side, and he performed admirably for Wales in two appearances off the bench. While great players have missed penalties in the past, talkSPORT columnist Gabby Agbonlahor claims he predicted James would miss it.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor claims that James is not technically sound, while having other positive qualities.
“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,” Agbonlahor said.
“If you watch Dan James as a player, he has got very good attributes, but technically he is not great.”
Leeds United needs Dan James to produce.
James is a terrific winger who excels at crossing and finishing. He was the first-choice winger at the beginning of the season and has 12 goals and seven assists in the Championship.
After suffering an injury, he lost his spot to Willy Gnonto. Since the turn of the year, the Italian has seized every opportunity and performed admirably. James has nevertheless made significant contributions from the bench, scoring in a 2-0 victory over Millwall prior to the international break.
Gnonto is doubtful for Leeds’ game against Watford at Vicarage Road on Friday, and Farke could start James. It is also an excellent opportunity for him to move past his disappointment and deliver for the Whites, who are chasing automatic promotion.
Leeds could also be without Wales defender Connor Roberts, who limped out against Poland. Farke stated that the 28-year-old full-back will be evaluated before the game.
