“I’m quite surprised that Farke has taken him off, he’s been at his absolute best, he’s generated some of their best moments”- Darren Bent questions Daniel Farke tactical decision in Leeds draw v Bristol City

Daniel Farke’s decision to substitute Daniel James in the second half of Leeds United versus Bristol City on Saturday (26 October) left Darren Bent “surprised”.

Speaking on commentary for talkSPORT (26 October, 2:01pm), Bent was taken aback as James’ number went up on the fourth official’s board in the 71st minute of United’s 0-0 draw at Ashton Gate.

Earlier in the second half, James’ darting run in behind had set Wilfried Gnonto up for the visitors’ best chance of the game, beating two Bristol defenders before Gnonto’s shot was cleared off the line.

Bent said after the move (1:43pm): “That is Dan James at his absolute best – he stays wide, doesn’t condense the space. Luke McNally and Mark Sykes on that far side, they can’t live with him.”

Upon James being hooked 18 minutes later, he added: “I’m quite surprised that Farke has taken him [Dan James] off – he’s been sharp, he’s generated some of their best moments with his pace.”

Given he’s won well over half of the matches he’s overseen since his arrival at Elland Road in July 2023, Farke remains in credit at Leeds despite failing to achieve promotion in last season’s play-offs.

However, one criticism of the German has been his decisions and timing when it comes to substitutions, with James’ withdrawal at Ashton Gate certainly being one which could leave fans scratching heads. While both James and his replacement Manor Solomon are making their ways back from injury problems, the Welshman was clearly in the ascendancy against a Robins defence which was starting to tire.

Solomon was the early entrant after Largie Ramazani’s 14th-minute injury against Watford four days ago, but a below-par performance – coupled with James’ excellent one – saw the latter given the nod to start.

James is clearly back to his best on United’s right flank regardless of how many minutes he was given in this game, and Farke will know he’s a key outlet who can fire the Whites back to the Premier League.