Dan James says Leeds United have a ‘brilliant’ teenager close to a Daniel Farke debut | OneFootball

Craig Bellamy has called up 19-year-old Leeds left-back Jayden Lienou for Wales, despite the youngster still awaiting a Daniel Farke debut, and Dan James says his rise is merited.

Lienou joined from Manchester City last summer, became a regular for Leeds’ Under-21s, and was named on the bench against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton as he edged towards senior football.

“He’s been brilliant this season, he’s been training with us a lot, a lot of the first team have been training against him. He’s a great lad, I think it will be great for him this week to experience it.”

“But also to have a few familiar faces which helps coming into camp. He thoroughly deserves it, he’s been great since he’s come here, he’s been great at Leeds. He’s definitely one for the future. Jay’s a top player.”

James was speaking to BBC Sounds.

Bellamy has said he watched Lienou with Leeds’ Under-21s and in Wales’ youth sides, and that he likes him enough to bring him in if a space opens up. He believes the defender has a real chance, while stressing there are still steps to take for him to reach the top level.

The views of James and Bellamy point to a call-up based on training evidence and swift development, rather than reputation. For a teenager yet to debut, it suggests his inclusion should not come as a surprise.

Source: Leedsunited.news