What Leeds United changed at half-time vs Brentford as impact sub praises key strength
Leeds United switched things up at half-time on Sunday and came out much the better side.
Leeds United winger Daniel James praised his side’s adaptability in being able to switch between formations during Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Brentford.
James was a 68th-minute substitute alongside Lukas Nmecha on Sunday, with the pair’s introduction the catalyst for a third change of shape. Leeds started in a 3-4-2-1 formation but struggled in a poor first-half, losing Joe Rodon to injury and going 1-0 down through Kevin Schade.
Daniel Farke switched to a back-four formation at half-time and then went 3-5-2 as James and Nmecha replaced Jayden Bogle and Noah Okafor. And both substitutes were involved in the Leeds leveller, the latter crossing for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to finish from close range.
Asked by the YEP about that fluidity of shape, James said: “Yeah, I think obviously we changed to a back four, I think whatever the formation we were maybe a yard off it in the first half. The players knew that, and we just came out the second half and gave a bit more fight.
“When I came on, I think we went back to three at the back, and it's just about having that versatility and people who can adapt to positions. Even Ethan [Ampadu] slotted into that back three well because he obviously played it before, but you’ve got to be versatile to change formations and we probably did it really well.
“We were creating chances and Dom was obviously in the right place at the right time. I think three or four of us linked up well down that right-hand side, and Dom's always in that position to put the ball in the back of the net. We had a few more chances after that but I think going off the first-half as well, 1-1 was a fair result.”
James has also had to be adaptable on an individual level, with last season’s tactical tweak lessening the need for a touchline-hugging right-winger. The likes of Brenden Aaronson and now Harry Wilson are tasked with drifting into central areas, with any width held from the wing-back position.
That’s the position in which James was introduced on Sunday and potentially where he’ll play the most minutes. As a natural winger, the Welshman obviously sees the role with an attacking mindset but admits he’s happy to do the defensive work too.
“I think when you first do it, it's a little bit different,” he admitted. “Obviously, it's a lot more defensive duties but I think when I play, I want to just be as attacking as I can.
“I'll always try and be there to help out when we need it but it's my job to be that attacking threat as well. I think when we don't have it down that side, you're not playing that wing-back role as you should.
“I'm a fixed wide point, a winger but it's just that I want to be on the pitch. The last few games, I've played it kind of how I've wanted to but as I said, I've got to do that defensive role and I'm happy to do that for this team.”