Swansea City winger Daniel James looks set to complete a move to Premier League giants Manchester United in a move worth almost £20m – with the fee possibly rising to £22m if add-ons are triggered.
We would like to wish the 21-year-old Welsh international all the very best at Old Trafford – a move that has been expected for the last few weeks after the Red Devils initially haggled over the fee. The Swans, however, have stood firm on their valuation for the flying winger and will surely be pleased to receive almost £20m for a player with only one year left on his contract at the Liberty Stadium.
James’ career has developed at an incredible rate over the last 12 months or so. From talking about a potential loan move to League Two side Yeovil Town last year to becoming a star player and earning himself a deserved move to a top 6 Premier League club.
Former manager Graham Potter told James that rather than going out on loan, he saw him having a part to play in the Championship and thankfully it proved to be a superb decision from the now-Brighton boss.
James was tearing it up for the under-23s and it was obvious then that it would only be a matter of time before he’d earn a promotion to the first-team. It did take a few months to adjust to the demands of the Championship. He wasn’t always a first-team regular but it wasn’t too long before he was a must-starter.
For Manchester United fans who might be reading and wondering if he’s good enough for the step up then I would doubt many Swansea fans who have watched him throughout the 2018-19 would suggest that he isn’t ready.
He’s not just a player with lightening pace, that might be a huge part of his game but Graham Potter also wanted him to play in more dangerous, goalscoring areas – in the inside channels and also through the middle as a false nine. He caused all sorts of problems at champions Norwich City as his movement and diagonal runs proved impossible to track across the pitch in the final third.
His finishing at times came into question but under the right coaching that’s something that he can and surely will improve on.
Thanks to his pace, he can beat defenders for fun, but also has the skill when required to cut inside, and link up play. He can cross with either foot, play on either flank as well as through the middle so he’s versatile. in addition to those qualities, James also has the strength to hold on to the ball in difficult situations and has proved to be difficult to dispossess, even in tight and congested areas.
Another key asset of his is the effort and desire he shows in every game. He’s not a winger that’s only interested in the attacking side of the game in the final third but has shown many times a willingness to drop right back and support his full-back in his defensive third too.
Below, you can see in the video how he can also cause problems out of possession with his quick and high pressing:
5️⃣🎞️ -4.36
Passes can also score negative values, if passes are unsuccessful in dangerous areas. This is the lowest scoring pass involving the #Swans this season as #ncfc GK Tim Krul makes an error under pressure from @Daniel_James_97 pic.twitter.com/yhVyBmx6Jp
— Swans Analytics (@SwansAnalytics) April 19, 2019
— Craig Norwood (@CraigNorwood) June 6, 2019
One more comparison – Daniel James vs Wayne Routledge
Both with impressive passmaps here in the final third. James busy right across that final third while Routledge busier on the right pic.twitter.com/GCK8uinLkj
— Swans Analytics (@SwansAnalytics) June 4, 2019
Also creating 7 Big Chances was winger @Daniel_James_97 – 4 from near the left side touchline pic.twitter.com/thOSO0fK6i
— Swans Analytics (@SwansAnalytics) June 4, 2019
Looking at Swansea City only, PassScore vs Big Chances created – players making 600+ successful passes in 2018/19.
Dan James is quite special. Connor Roberts 4th highest for Big chances created per 100 successful passes metric pic.twitter.com/C2sRQykloc
— Swans Analytics (@SwansAnalytics) May 27, 2019
