‘That’s the role’: Jesse Marsch says he’s putting £25m Leeds player on the bench against Southampton

Thu 11 August 2022 13:25, UK Updated Thu 11 August 2022 22:00, UK

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has conducted his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Southampton.

As per , the Whites boss has said that Dan James will be fit enough to be on the substitutes bench at the weekend.

James was not in the on the opening weekend of the season as Leeds beat Wolves 2-1 after coming from behind.

But Marsch said that James will be involved against the Saints and has a big part to play over the course of the season for Leeds.

Marsch speaks at press conference ahead of Southampton clash

Marsch said: “James (is a) big option from the bench.

“That’s the role we will use him in this weekend. (He has) big importance in the future with him starting.

“We tried to get the balance right over the summer, to give opportunities to others. Dan’s ready.”

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James found it tricky last season after arriving from Manchester United for a fee the report was £25 million.

In Patrick Bamford’s absence, he played a huge amount of games up front on his own but that is not his best position and it showed at times.

Now Bamford is back, James should be able to play in his preferred wide role when he does come into the side.

He will hope to get a chance to shine off the bench against Southampton and get a first goal of the season