Leeds United winger Dan James has backed one of the summer signings to become a fan favourite at Elland Road very soon.
United made multiple inspired summer signings after avoiding relegation under Daniel Farke. The first of the group was bringing in Harry Wilson from Fulham.
Despite being a free transfer, there were huge expectations about what he could bring to the table. He’d arrived at Leeds off the back of his best season to date with the Cottagers.
“Serious fan favourite” – Dan James issues strong prediction on Harry Wilson at Leeds United
It was a very slow start for Wilson in a Leeds shirt this season. There wasn’t anything whatsoever to shout about, outside of an assist for Tarik Muharemovic in the 6-3 defeat against Chelsea in the EFL Cup.
Then, away to Bournemouth, even though we lost, Wilson started to show signs of life with a much more lively and active display.
It didn’t produce anything in the final third, but then off the bench against Spurs, he kicked on again. Getting closer to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, his movement led to Noah Okafor scoring the winner in a huge three points for United.
His Leeds and Wales teammate Dan James is aware that he’s got more to offer as they look ahead to Nations League action this month. However, James also expects Wilson to become extremely popular before long.
“I think it was obviously a lot different coming to a club after being at one for so many years,” James told LUFC. “Obviously, he was really settled down at Fulham and then obviously made the choice to come away from it and, I think he’s been brilliant. He’s been a great addition for us.
“I think it always helps when you’ve got a lot of Welsh players in the squad, and it’s easy to settle in.
“But I think he settled in straight away, and I think for Harry, we know what his quality is, and I think he’s still got so much more to come and he’ll be a serious fan favourite for what he brings. We definitely missed him last [Wales] camp, and it’s great to have him now.”
Noah Okafor and Harry Wilson must start together regularly for Leeds United
You saw within two minutes what Okafor and Wilson could bring in tandem behind Calvert-Lewin in Leeds’ attack.
Both of them got close to the No9 and linked up to score the game’s only goal. Beyond that, Wilson was offering for the ball a lot, and actually looked like producing as well.
If he wants to make it work at Leeds, he needs to take responsibility in the final third and show why he’s the main man. He’s got more than enough quality to do it; we just need to see that confident side of him.
Bournemouth and Spurs were instances of Wilson starting to take those positive steps. As James says, he could become a favourite if he kicks on from here.