Daniel James has admitted he is ‘loving’ his football at the moment, after the winger once again found the back of the net on Monday night.
This time, the 21-year-old was on target for Wales in their 1-0 win against Belarus, meaning he has scored four in his last six games for club and country.
The only goal in the friendly clash at the Cardiff City Stadium came in the 17th minute and it was not to dissimilar to Daniel’s strike against Southampton, just before the international break.
Starting from the left, James advanced goalwards before cutting inside on his stronger foot – just as he did on the south coast two weeks ago – although, on this occasion, he produced a well-placed finish into the top corner, rather than the piledriver we saw against the Saints.
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“Today, I was always going to get opportunities and it was all about taking them,” James told Sky Sports after the match.
“Jonny [Williams] has played me out wide, he’s held the ball and played it at the right moment. I’ve got to the box and he’s covered me down the line, so I thought the shot was on.”
The superb finish was Daniel’s second goal for Wales in six appearances and our no.21 seems to have brought his good form from United to the international stage.
In his first four appearances for the Reds, the wide man has scored three and also impressed with his speedy, direct dribbling style.
James’s early showings were so impressive for United, he was last week voted as our August Player of Month.
Unsurprisingly, the youngster revealed he is delighted with how his career is developing since his summer move from Swansea City.
“I’m loving football at the minute,” said James. “It’s started well but it’s something I have to keep continuing to do. I think I’ve got the right people around me. The gaffer [Ryan Giggs] has been great here [at Wales] and at United, so it’s just about continuing that.”
Daniel’s international manager is, of course, another Welshman who used to fly down the wing for United and, also speaking to Sky Sports, Giggs expressed his delight at our close-season recruit’s recent performances.
“He’s one of those players you know what he’s going to do but you can’t stop it,” our record appearance-holder said after the game. “There are so many goals [he’s scored] like that. He can go either way.
”Early on, when I saw DJ, just like any young winger, there can be that improvement in the final ball and scoring more goals. But he’s doing that.
“To do what he’s done at the start of the season is amazing. The next step obviously is that consistency, which he’s shown so far and he needs to carry on. But I’ve got no doubts that will happen because he wants to be the best.”
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