Its unfair on James some of the comments apart from mine regarding corners obviously. Even if you watch just hte higllights the amount of time he invlolved in build up play etc he does the leg work for Cambiaso. He has lost his nerve in front of goal but hes not the only one because he has a great shot.

He would be the one midfielder thats name go on the team sheet each week who ever is partnering goes that good news.

Just more power and variation in those corners or let Cambiaso take them or Kasper.

He's not bad but hes just not that good either. Thats the problem really, theres far better available at this level, McArthur for one.

Too many times he has spurned good scoring chances and his set pieces have been shocking. He may be the engine of our side but hes an engine that cuts out at the lights when you want to pull away quickly.

Like King and Drinkwater hes good, but its not enough just to be ok at this level....

He's the perfect partner for Cambiasso, no coincidence that they usually both play.

One if the surprise packages of this year.

I'm with BS on this. Whilst James does deserve criticism, if by some sort of miracle we do stay up I wouldn't want to be relying on him next year.

He's too slow and lacks that sharpness needed to be an influential midfielder at this level.

I absolutely agree he's the right man to play alongside Cambiasso but he's not quite good enough for me.

The girls like him though....

* doesn't deserve criticism.

If we stated up though wouldn't that go for most of the team if we are to establish ourselves as a permanent Prem team?

"Stayed up"

True Blue, I'm shocked that you could use a word like "If" in that sentence.

The shroud is falling.

Haha, I have belief but you'll see I've used 'if' a fair few times before, no certainty from me.

While I am an Andy King fan for his loyalty & commitment to our club I have to say that Nigel has got it right with the midfield pairing of Cambiasso & James. As we know Cambiasso has all the insight & flair but James does a lot of donkey work & works his socks off every week. Others have stated his failings but amongst a team that have not come up to scratch he has been a success. Nice eye candy too for we lady foxes!

Dunge, I read the point about James on the other thread but didn't respond there as I could see this one you'd started. When I get to this thread I find you've said most of what I was going to say. I was toying with giving him a 7 instead of 6 because of his quiet but effective contribution, allowing Cambiasso to operate.

Dunge - couldn't agree more. I am a huge King fan but last season Drinkwater and James were the most effective midfield partnership. This year it is Cambiasso and James.

Every team needs a James-type player to release the Cambiassos to do their stuff. In every team you get the piano-players and the piano-shifters. Both are needed to out on a performance.

He's not good enough at this level, cannot fault his commitment though. But for the love of God, get him off set pieces!!

Agreed your honour.....