Squad depth at the Foxes – the evolvement of Leicester City prodigy James Justin

England are blessed with a plethora of emerging right-backs. With the variety of talent at the senior team’s disposal, they could field a team of full-backs and still compete. Leicester City’s James Justin is one of those who’s making his mark.

Justin signed for Leicester City in the summer of 2019 on a five-year deal from Luton Town. He scored on his debut in a 4–0 away win against his former club in the EFL Cup third round. It was inevitable he was going to kick on at the King Power..

Image: @jamesjustin98 / Twitter

Originally brought in as a back-up for Ricardo Pereira, Justin has leapt at the opportunity to cement his role in the starting XI. Pereira’s prolonged period on the sideline has meant Justin has played every single minute in the Premier League so far.

Even since the arrival of Timothy Castagne from Atalanta, Justin is yet to be dropped by Brendan Rodgers due to his versatility. Justin shifts to left-back whenever Castagne is fit. The pair of them have shone on either side of the pitch when deployed together, adding fluidity to attacks as well as getting narrow and defending as a back five when required.

Justin’s underlying numbers back-up his contributions on the pitch. Since the beginning of the 2020/21 campaign, Justin has made twice as many tackles as Trent Alexander-Arnold, more blocks, clearances and interceptions than Reece James and has conceded less than Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Despite being at the King Power for just over 18 months, Justin’s prowess makes him look like he’s played in the Premier League for years. Comfortable on both flanks, Justin’s featured 27 times for the Foxes in the top-flight since his arrival. He’s chipped in with a goal, two assists and averages a clean sheet every three league matches.

With Leicester’s injury woes in recent times, he’s slotted into a back three and made no mistake, too. His versatility, mature decision making and bravery on the ball have really developed this season, making it tough for Brendan Rodgers when Ricardo Pereira has returned to match fitness.

Image: Foxes of Leicester

Leicester impressed in an emphatic away win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon as foxes talisman Jamie Vardy dispatched a first-half penalty and Toby Alderweireld’s own goal enabled Leicester to capitulate a lethargic Spurs side.

It was another sublime 90 minutes from Justin, pocketing one of the league’s most creative players, which lead to a sixth away win of the 2020/21 campaign. For the entirety of the 90 minutes, Justin kept Son quiet and disabled the South Korean to combine with strike partner Harry Kane.

If the 22-year-old maintains his superb run of form, could we see him on the plane as an outside punt for next year’s Euros?

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