Crisis Incoming? Daniel Farke Faces Major Headache as Leeds Ace Looks Shockingly Rusty in Pre-Season Shocker!

July 28, 2025

⚪ Leeds United’s Premier League Preparations Show Promise — But Dan James’ Form Casts a Shadow

As Leeds United prepare for their long-awaited return to the Premier League, optimism is quietly building around Elland Road. The summer has brought with it a mix of expectation, strategic signings, and encouraging pre-season performances that suggest Daniel Farke’s men are on the right track.

The fans are eager. The atmosphere around the club is becoming increasingly positive. Players are stepping up, new signings are embedding themselves quickly, and competition for places appears stronger than it has been in recent seasons.

Yet amid all this positivity, one surprising narrative is starting to unfold — the underwhelming pre-season form of Dan James, Leeds’ Player of the Season and one of last year’s most consistent performers. As the Premier League opener looms closer, concern is beginning to build over whether the Welsh international can rediscover the spark that lit up the Championship just a few months ago.


🌱 Pre-Season Progress: Encouraging Signs for Leeds

To fully grasp the scope of the situation, it’s important to understand the wider context. Leeds United’s pre-season has, for the most part, been a success. Following a campaign where they bounced back impressively from top-flight relegation to win the Championship title, Farke’s job was to consolidate that momentum and build a team capable of surviving — and perhaps even thriving — in the Premier League.

Across their first few pre-season matches, Leeds have shown exactly the kind of evolution fans hoped for. There’s been cohesion in build-up play, a growing confidence in possession, and signs of improved game management. Even in the absence of full intensity, Leeds have played with a fluidity and composure that wasn’t always present during their last stint in the top flight.

🔁 Key Players Stepping Up

Several individuals have stood out so far. One of the most notable names is Anton Stach, a new arrival who has settled remarkably quickly into Daniel Farke’s midfield. Composed on the ball, physically strong, and tactically aware, Stach already looks like he could be a cornerstone of the team. His ability to dictate tempo and protect the back four could prove vital in the high-pressing, high-risk world of the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Willy Gnonto has looked like a man possessed — aggressive, direct, and full of creative energy. After a season that saw glimpses of his potential, the young Italian appears determined to make the most of this fresh start. His ability to play across the front line offers Farke tactical flexibility, and his willingness to take defenders on one-vs-one could be invaluable against top-level opposition.

Jayden Bogle, another standout from last season, has continued his trajectory and looks more confident than ever. Described as “world class” in some pre-season coverage, Bogle is pushing to become not just a fan favorite but a key piece of Leeds’ Premier League identity.


😟 Dan James — A Star Now Dimming?

In stark contrast to the optimism surrounding much of the squad stands Dan James, a player who just months ago was heralded as the club’s best performer. With 21 goal contributions and several match-winning performances last season, James earned his status as a fan favorite and leader on the pitch. His pace, pressing, and improved decision-making were central to Farke’s attacking game plan.

But now, that same player is struggling to get going.

According to respected Leeds journalist Graham Smyth, James was “rusty” during the pre-season clash with SC Paderborn, and his performances in general have lacked the edge and energy that typically define his game. He looked off the pace, hesitant in decision-making, and struggled to impact the match from wide areas — a worrying trend considering how vital width and pace are to Farke’s style.

While it’s important not to overreact to pre-season form, it’s also fair to say that for a player so reliable last season, the dip is concerning. This isn’t a fringe player trying to fight for minutes — this is a core member of Leeds’ best XI, someone expected to lead by example as the club transitions into the Premier League.


🧠 Why Is James Struggling?

🩺 1. Fatigue and Burnout

James played a grueling campaign in 2024, logging heavy minutes across all competitions. His style — full throttle, always pressing, always running — is physically taxing. After such a demanding season, both physical and mental fatigue could be factors in his slower start to pre-season. If he didn’t have adequate rest or time to recover fully, the effects might still be lingering.

🎯 2. Tactical Shifts

It’s also possible that minor tweaks in Farke’s tactical approach are impacting James’ positioning or responsibilities. With the arrival of players like Stach and Ramazani, the shape of the team is subtly changing, and James may be adjusting to new roles, patterns, or instructions that don’t come naturally just yet.

💭 3. Mental Pressure and Expectation

There’s also the psychological burden that can come from being the player. After being crowned Player of the Season and signing a new deal, expectations around James are sky-high. That kind of pressure can weigh heavily — especially in pre-season, where players know they’re being judged ahead of key selection decisions.


🧩 Squad Depth and Competition – A Blessing or a Burden?

The issue for James is compounded by the fact that Leeds now possess genuine depth in wide areas. Farke has several attacking options at his disposal: Gnonto, Ramazani, Joseph, Summerville (if he stays), and even Shackleton in more advanced roles.

If James doesn’t rediscover his rhythm quickly, he risks falling slightly behind in the pecking order. That doesn’t mean he’ll be dropped — his quality and prior contributions have earned him goodwill — but Farke will undoubtedly be weighing form heavily when selecting his lineups against the Premier League’s elite.

Ramazani, in particular, has been impressive in pre-season, offering flair and fearlessness down the flank. Though still raw, his willingness to take players on and create space has made a strong case for early involvement. If James continues to look flat, Ramazani could be handed a more prominent role — a reality that seemed unlikely just two months ago.


🏟️ The Road Ahead – Tough Fixtures and Little Room for Error

The Premier League is a brutal proving ground, especially for newly promoted teams. Leeds cannot afford to ease into the season. Their opening fixtures include clashes against seasoned Premier League sides, and every point will matter. In games where Leeds may not dominate possession, they will need pace on the counter, quality in transition, and creativity out wide — all traits Dan James typically provides at his best.

If he can shake off this pre-season dip and hit the ground running, James will undoubtedly re-establish himself as a critical figure in Farke’s system. His ceiling remains high, and his track record suggests this is likely just a temporary blip.

But if the struggles continue, Farke will have difficult decisions to make — especially with the likes of Ramazani and Gnonto eager to make their mark.


📝 Final Thoughts – A Time for Leadership and Resilience

Pre-season is a strange beast. It can be misleading, but it can also reveal cracks before they grow into real problems. In the case of Dan James, it’s likely too early to panic — but not too early to be concerned.

Leeds need him to be at his electric best if they are to navigate the Premier League successfully. James has shown time and again that he has the quality, intelligence, and work ethic to compete at the top level. What he needs now is to regain confidence, rediscover his rhythm, and step up when it matters most.

The Premier League is around the corner. The lights are about to come on. For Leeds to shine, Dan James may need to be the spark once again.

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