Leeds United were left disappointed after they dropped more points from a winning position at Everton on Monday night. However, the 1-1 draw was another solid result away from home.
If Dominic Calvert-Lewin had been more clinical, Leeds could have buried the game even before Everton scored the equaliser in the second half, which helped them to avoid another home defeat.
However, it was James Justin who stood out in another top performance, which also included his goal in the first half, which was his first in the Premier League this season.
The former Leicester star has proved invaluable for Leeds this season as his presence has not made them feel the absence of their injured full-backs.
Daniel Farke hails Leeds United star James Justin after Everton draw
Justin has been a key player for Leeds in a season where both their starting full-backs – Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson – have had injury issues.
He expertly replaced Bogle when he was out, and in Gudmundsson’s absence, the former Leicester man is not making the team feel the Swede’s absence.
Farke insisted that Justin epitomises what Leeds are all about with his character and unselfish nature to sacrifice himself for the team’s needs.
He stressed that he can count on Justin to play anywhere he needs him to and is someone who is brilliant to have in the squad.
Farke told Sky Sports: “He is everything that Leeds United is about, top character, diligent, smart player. Gives everything, always thinks about the team, and is unselfish.
“Wherever I need him, right back, centre back, left back, right wing back, left wing back, I can always count on him and with his quality.
“He can also score sometimes, although he’s not made just for goalscoring, but it’s great to have him in the squad.”
Justin will help Leeds save money in January
Farke recently indicated that Leeds could be forced to sign a left-back before the end of the transfer window as cover for Gudmundsson’s injury.
| Attacking Output | |
|---|---|
| Goals | 1 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.29 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Expected Assists (xA) | 0.01 |
| Key Passes | 1 |
| Passing & Build-Up | |
| Accurate Passes | 31 / 41 (76%) |
| Passes in Opposition Half | 10 / 18 (56%) |
| Passes in Own Half | 21 / 23 (91%) |
| Long Balls (Accurate) | 3 / 7 (43%) |
| Shooting | |
| Total Shots | 5 |
| xG on Target (xGOT) | 0.25 |
Leeds have been linked with a move for Ben Chilwell. However, Justin’s performances could yet convince Farke to keep his powder dry on a new left-back.
He has looked assured in the left wing-back role, and his Premier League experience has also come to the fore in recent weeks.
Leeds also need to save up all the funds if they indeed end up signing Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. Justin may yet convince the Whites to concentrate on their funds to sign a new forward.
