Jordan James and Wayne Rooney discussed Birmingham City’s midfield strategy with the media.
Wayne Rooney and Jordan James disagree
Jordan James, a midfielder for Birmingham City, and manager Wayne Rooney have a minor argument on where the Wales international should play. Where James performs best is now a matter of relative uncertainty: Is he a versatile player? How about eight? A six?
After Blues’ 3-2 loss to Leicester City, in which James scored both of his team’s goals, the head coach and the player were both asked the same question. The 19-year-old entered the penalty area late and played as an advanced eight.
It was a magnificent move, as James doubled his tally in the second half with a delicate scoop over Mads Hermansen after first scoring a calm and smooth finish into the bottom left-hand corner. However, James has also featured well as a six on other occasions, sparking discussion.
Rooney disclosed, “I talked to him about it a few weeks ago.” “He can play as a six, like he does for Wales, and he is a very talented player, but observing him in training and seeing his ability to make excellent runs and make the box, I believe he is a terrific finisher.
“He’s an eight, in my perspective. As demonstrated by his performance in the past two games, he has excelled from that point forward.He will play as a six sometimes, and as an eight other times. He have that talent. His performances have satisfied me, Rooney remarked.
Even though James is still a teenager, he has the same pace and stamina as players like Krystian Bielik and Ivan Sunjic. In addition, he plays with excellent awareness of his surroundings and frequently finds the right passes to wide players.
James now has four Championship goals this season, demonstrating his strength in finishing. Because of his excellent anticipation, he can enter attacking situations after the opposition’s defenders have usually moved to cover him.
James reacted to the argument about positions by saying, “In the end, I play where the gaffer tells me to play.” It is clear to me that he thinks I have what it takes to achieve my ambitions. I just go with the flow of anything he says. Okay, I can play the eight position, but I still feel more at ease in the six. I hope I can continue to feel so confident.”
Perhaps there won’t be a single obvious spot, and it will be determined by the outcome of each individual game. There’s little doubt about it: James’ adaptability has grown to be, and will remain, vital to the success of Rooney’s approach.
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