Daniel James.

James cultivating a more ruthless streak

Wednesday 24 March 2021 11:00

Daniel James has outlined why he is being more ruthless when presented with a chance to shoot as his game continues to develop at Manchester United.

The 23-year-old is preparing for Wales' taxing World Cup qualifiers against Belgium and Czech Republic, in addition to a friendly against Mexico on Saturday. 

James has five United goals to his name this term and also netted on his last international appearance, a 3-1 win over Finland in November..

 

With the match in Belgium tonight (Wednesday) providing another platform for Dan to show how important he is to his country, the winger will hope to display the end product he has been finessing at the Aon Training Complex.

"It [shooting] is something I work on every day with all the coaches," he told United Review recently. "To be honest, it’s something I’ve wanted to do. It’s not going to come overnight, it just evolves every day after training. It’s finishing in training in areas that make it realistic as it’s something I want to improve on.”

“I think there are times where I look back and maybe I’ve gone to pass or not gone for a shot when it’s on. I think now, as soon as I’m in a position well, if you don’t shoot, you don’t score. That’s where all the front players have got the confidence to do that. There are times I’ve passed it and it’s not been the right decision so I will try to be more selfish, in a good way.”

James has showed a determination to keep going right until the final whistle and has been rewarded with some late strikes for the Reds.

“I think, even when I’ve come on, especially against Southampton, I was eager to get a goal," he explained ."Coming on in the 90th minute, maybe before, I might have thought I’ve had my chance now and not get it again but it was the same last week. I’ll keep working until the every end of the game and the rewards will come.”

Wales assistant coach Robert Page has been outlining how well the wide man has been managed at United.

“He has now got himself back into the team and worked really hard to get back in there. He looks a threat every time he plays.

“He has gone into a huge club in Man United and has obviously impressed right from the start.

“He has played more or less every game, but with a young player you are going to get levels of inconsistency and you have to manage that.

“I think Man United have done that now. At the right time they have pulled him out.”

The tie in Leuven kicks off at 19:45 GMT this evening, with Wales hoping to get off to a good start in Group E.

Dylan Levitt, who is currently on loan with NK Istra, is also in the squad.

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