Leeds United’s unbeaten Premier League start ended at Arsenal on Saturday, but it did nothing to diminish their performance at the Emirates.
James Justin’s second-half goal had Leeds fans dreaming of a famous upset. However, Arsenal’s greater squad depth and quality prevailed, and the champions won 2-1.
Several Leeds players have shown how far the team have come since last season, and they are tipped to finish in the top ten this season.
A few players have emerged as real standouts this season, but one is finally getting the recognition he should have had earlier.
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BBC pundit calls out observers for ignoring Leeds star
Leeds fans weren’t particularly enamoured when James Justin arrived from Leicester City last year, and they saw him as an expensive squad player.
However, Justin has proved himself in multiple backline roles, and his performances have kept natural centre-back Jack Bijol out of the team this season.
Troy Deeney has included him in the BBC’s Team of the Week and insisted he’s completely transformed from the player he was at Leicester.
He has been taken aback by how good Justin has been in several positions for Leeds and believes he hasn’t received the credit he should have.
Deeney wrote for the BBC: “I know he loves playing against Arsenal, but the transformation he has had from when he was at Leicester to Leeds – the ability to play right wing-back, right centre-back.
“Everything that he gives you in that situation, he’s just a joke of a centre-back. I don’t believe he gets anywhere near enough credit.
“An unbelievable goal, and he could have had more on the day.”
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James Justin has proved his detractors wrong
He has quietly established himself as one of Leeds United’s better signings, and his performances are making it increasingly difficult for Daniel Farke to leave him out.
Justin impressed in several roles last season, showing the versatility managers value over a long campaign. Whether filling in at full-back or slotting into the back three, he has proven he can do the job.
His importance has only grown this season. The fact that he is keeping a natural centre-back like Jaka Bijol out of the starting XI says plenty about the level he is producing. Justin isn’t just offering cover across the defence; he is making a genuine case to be one of Farke’s first choices.
His goal against Arsenal was another highlight, even if Leeds ultimately left empty-handed. Justin still has to maintain that level, but he’s become a valuable asset. For Leeds, his ability to deliver in different positions could prove vital as the season progresses.
