Dan James is happy to carry the burden of being Wales’ go-to man this weekend – just as he has been for Leeds United all season.
The winger who made his debut for Wales seven years ago could still pass for an age-group U21 player, but on the pitch there has been a maturing of the now 27-year-old.
So much so, that without the injured Harry Wilson, Ethan Ampadu and Aaron Ramsey – and with Brennan Johnson struggling for consistency at Tottenham - James has no qualms about being the player others may look to for inspiration when the World Cup campaign starts against Kazakhstan on Saturday.
James has scored 10 goals for Leeds this season and – just as significantly – contributed nine assists as they have built up a head of steam at the top of the Championship.
I'm not a young player anymore,” says James, who will win his 56th cap at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday night.
“I consider myself a more senior player of the group, of this group and also my group at Leeds.
“So, I try to take that responsibility. I don't get any added pressure with it, I just have to concentrate on what I need to do.”
James – who made his name as a winger with freakish pace at Swansea City – admits he is not a vocal leader in the manner of Ramsey or Ampadu.
He prefers to set the tone through his energy on the field, which is now allied to a more crafted final outcome when in possession.
“I'm not a quiet person, but I'm not one to shout in the changing room and get everyone up for the game.
“I leave other people and other characters to do that. I try to set an example, on the pitch, by starting the press off, getting the boys up for it on the pitch, rather than off the pitch.
READ MORE: Craig Bellamy Reveals His Pain Over Latest Aaron Ramsey Setback
“I think this season I’ve definitely got a bit more responsibility, but it is not something that really adds to any pressure.
“There are games where it’s maybe not gone right, but I’ve continued to try and do the right stuff and gone to the end, to try and be that main man.”
It would be wrong, though, to assume that with wisdom on the field has come more caution.
In fact, James believes the opposite is true and that a bolder, risk-taking approach has paid dividends and made him one of the most influential players in the Championship, at a club that also includes his Wales teammates Ampadu and Joe Rodon.
“As a winger, I want to be as direct as possible, not turning down things,” he explains.
“Sometimes, I look back at games and I’ve been quite safe.
“That might look good from the outside, keeping the ball, but, ultimately, I’m in the team to try and create things.
“I might give the ball away a lot of times, but ultimately, I'm trying not to be safe, but trying to create things in the final third.”
James has shared highs as well as lows with Wales in recent seasons. He was in the squad that reached a landmark first appearance at the World Cup finals for 64 years in 2022, but he was also there when attempts to reach the last Euros were undermined last year by a shock 4-2 home defeat to Armenia.
That fixture has a similar look to the clash with Kazakhstan, an unfancied team with a largely unknown group of players.
“When Armenia came to us, I thought they were they were great, ruthless,” adds James.
“We were disappointed because we went one up and then they scored some great goals and they were ruthless, and, ultimately that affected the campaign. So, you can't underestimate any team in this competition.
“I know that it’s going to be a tough game and they will be coming here believing that they can win.
READ MORE: Wayne’s New World . . . Hennessey Wanted By Wales To Be Keeper Finder
“We don’t underestimate any team. In international football, I feel that every team are so well drilled now.
“It’s a game that we're looking forward to, a home game and we always back ourselves at home, but it's not going to be easy.
You've got to go and show that on the pitch - that determination to win the game.”
James has looked a more purposeful figure at Leeds this season, a far cry from the diffident youngster who struggled to make a sustained impact at Old Trafford after his move from Swansea to Manchester United.
In his new guise – more intense and confident in his abilities – he reflects the image of his manager, Craig Bellamy, when he occupied a similar position in the Wales team.
“He had that ruthless mentality with goals and assists, but he also worked so hard off the ball as well.
“He always wanted the ball, was demanding the ball, it’s something that hedoes give advice on to our wingers and me personally, to always stretch the game.
“I think the biggest one which I’ve tried to take into my game, is not to turn one v ones down, always get at your man.
“As the manager, he’s got your back. As long as you try and make right decisions in the right places, it’s what you’re in the team to do.
“He wants our wingers to get at players, to get behind, to work hard, and that suits me down to the ground.”
