Daniel James embracing his new striker role at Leeds | OneFootball

With Patrick Bamford suffering from an extended spell on the sidelines, Marcelo Bielsa has called upon Daniel James to fill the void left up top.

Though the Welsh winger has only scored twice this season, James has embraced the role and is acquiring vital knowledge that will serve him in the years ahead.

“I think I’ve enjoyed it. It’s not a position I see myself playing in the long-term, but with the injuries we have and it’s somewhere he has seen I can play,” James told BBC Radio Yorkshire.

“It’s not somewhere I have played before but I’m learning every day and I need to learn all positions.

“I said before you can end up in any position up there at times and you’ve got to know what the striker or the winger is thinking.

“It has helped me a lot, especially when I play on the wing again and I now know what the no.9 thinks and what position to be in.

“When I play there again, it will be something I am thinking of. I get into those positions as a number nine, I’ll make a movement as it was me who was making that cross, but it’s different with different players, such as Jack [Harrison] or Raphinha.

“I’ve got to think about what they’re thinking and try to be on the same wavelength. I’m learning every day and the gaffer believes in me. I’ve never played as a one up front, it’s probably not one that I thought of.

“As I said, I can grow into that position but it’s not one that I can see me playing in the long-term. But I have relished it and I’ve taken as much as I can from that position.

“A lot of the stuff is back to goal, making runs and trying to see the ball.”

Bamford is racing against time to be ready for Aston Villa on Wednesday but he would very likely start on the bench if he’s able to contribute.