Daniel James Manchester United
Leeds United’s rising star, Jayden Lienou, has been called up to the Wales senior squad for their upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Romania. This marks a significant milestone for the young player, who has yet to make his senior debut but has been impressing with his performances for Leeds’ under-21s. Having joined Leeds last summer on a three-year deal, Lienou has caught the attention of Wales national team boss Craig Bellamy.
Craig Bellamy said: “We believe this boy has got a real chance. Of course, there has to be other progressions to his game… But what we’ve seen already in his development – and that’s from Leeds, not from us – we see a player with real high potential that can have a huge impact.”
Lienou, who has been a regular in training with the first-team squad, was named on Daniel Farke’s bench against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion in May. His inclusion in the national team setup is a testament to his hard work and potential. Daniel James, a seasoned player with 63 caps for Wales, also praised the young talent.
Daniel James said: “He has been brilliant this season, he’s been training with us a lot. He’s a great lad. I think he thoroughly deserves it, he’s been great since he’s been here. He’s also been great at Leeds and is definitely one for the future, he’s a top player.”
James himself has faced a challenging season due to injuries, missing 18 matches. However, he managed to start against Tottenham and Brighton at right wing-back amidst a defensive injury crisis. These upcoming Wales friendlies are seen as crucial for James to regain full fitness ahead of the pre-season.
Daniel James added: “The last couple of seasons I might have gone into the summer with a slight injury which has also not helped going into pre-season so I want to be as fit as I can at the end of the season going into pre-season.”
Lienou’s call-up is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of Leeds United’s commitment to nurturing young talent. His potential inclusion in the club’s pre-season tour to the US this summer further underscores his growing importance within the team. As he continues to develop, both club and country will be keenly watching his progress.
About The Author
