'I can't lie' - Leeds United winger Daniel James lifts lid on frustration of not playing
Daniel James has discussed competition for places at Leeds United and becoming a senior player
Leeds United winger Daniel James has conceded there is frustration that comes with a lack of playing time.
The jet-heeled wideman is rated highly by Whites boss Daniel Farke and has been a key figure throughout the German’s reign.
However, he has found opportunities limited this season and managed just one start in the Premier League.
Daniel James’ playing time admission
James, now away on international duty with Wales, has discussed the importance of being a team player in an interview with the official Leeds website.
The 29-year-old said: “I think we've had a great start. I think it was very important for us to get a result coming to this international break. I thought we were really good, put on a great performance.
“But yeah, as a player, obviously, I can't lie, obviously you do get frustrated not playing, but you have to give your all for the team, because ultimately it's a team game and, even if you're not getting as many minutes as you want, you want to perform and train every day, push players that are starting as well.
“I played against Bournemouth, a couple of weeks ago. I felt really good, but ultimately it's always down to the manager of what team he wants to set up in. But I've just got to be ready every time, and I feel like I am.
“I've got myself in a good place to whenever I'm called upon, that I feel ready. And I feel really good coming to this camp.”
Becoming a senior player
James will turn 30 next year and has the additional responisibilites that come with being a senior player. Not only does he have plenty of experience, the former Swansea City star is Leeds’ longest-serving player having joined from Manchester United back in 2021.
He said: “I'm definitely just as quick. I think obviously I've had a few injuries and sometimes it's taken me a little bit longer [to recover], but I think, as I become more of a senior player, it's about how much you can maintain that, because I think it's not just about being quick once. You want to be able to do that the whole game.
"And I think as I've become more senior, I've learned to work around that a lot more. But it's something that I work on every day because, ultimately, I want to play, I want my career to be as long as possible. But I want to be as quick as long as possible.
“I think when you start getting 30 plus, I think it's about how much you can maintain it. But it's something that I'm always working on, and will do for the rest of my career.”