Far from being daunted by competition for places at Craven Cottage, Dan James says Fulham’s strength in depth can only be a good thing.
The Welsh winger, who missed Sunday’s superb win at his parent club Leeds United, believes that the sheer number of wide options available to head coach Marco Silva encourages the first-team squad to meet the high standards set in the early part of the season. James told the club’s official website this afternoon:
“As players we want that. We don’t want to be comfortable in our position where if we have a bad game then we’d still be playing the next week. I think the gaffer likes that as well. I think it’s really good and it helps all the players in our position to push themselves.
I’ve had a lot [of minutes] since I’ve come here. I’m in and out, [but] I’m always involved whether I’m starting or not. There’ll always be a little bit of rotation. I’d never think I’d just come to a club and play every week. We’re doing so well here. Obviously I couldn’t play on the weekend but I’m just happy to be here. The manager, the staff, the players have all been great with me, and I’ll keep working hard.”
In James’ absence at Elland Road, Willian grabbed his first Fulham goal to seal all three points on Sunday and the 24 year-old admits admiring the Brazilian veteran during his previous spells in English football.
“Willian is one that, when I was younger, I really looked up to. He’s come towards the end of his career and he’s still performing and doing really well. Players like him are great to learn off. This is a great club to be at, with big players all around. I always try to learn off everyone around me.”
James is confident of a strong showing in Saturday night’s televised clash against Everton – with the Whites having taken seven points from their last three fixtures.
“As a team we’re growing every game. The way the gaffer sets us up is really good, we like to try and keep the ball. We build up really well, and when we do that we cause damage to teams. It showed against Aston Villa when we were on top for a lot of the game and went on to win comfortably, and then it was good to go to Leeds and come from behind to win that game. This weekend’s going to be another tough one.”
