Leeds United extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to three matches after picking up a valuable point on the road against Everton.
Whilst pundits like Simon Jordan are convinced Leeds will avoid relegation, they may have a point that the Whites are not picking up enough wins, with the game at the Hill Dickinson being another example of a game in which United ultimately ended up dropping points after leading during the game.
James Justin’s first Premier League goal for Leeds was ultimately not enough to bring three points back to West Yorkshire, with Thierno Barry equalising in a second half which was dominated by the hosts.
However, this Everton equaliser did not stop former Leeds striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink from giving Justin his flowers, after another impressive performance from the defender.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink raves about James Justin following performance against Everton
Justin is seemingly a player Hasselbaink has rated for a long time.
The £10million fee to secure his services in the summer was a decision that was questioned by the 49ers; however, after his recent run of form, it looks to be another genius piece of business.
Speaking after the game on Monday Night Football, Hasselbaink had this to say about the versatile defender.
“When he was coming up, when Leicester bought him from Luton, you thought, this boy is going to be an England superstar, and unfortunately, he got two really bad injuries, but I’m really happy for him, to see him back playing regularly and doing well as well because he’s a very good player.”
Whilst supporters were rightly concerned about Gabriel Gudmundsson’s absence, Justin proved he is more than capable of doing a job at left wing-back and still providing that much-needed attacking threat down the left flank.
Data supports Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s claims regarding James Justin
Justin did not only pass the eye test at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, the numbers also support the fact that the 27-year-old was impressive.
James Justin match stats vs Everton
| Stat | James Justin |
|---|---|
| Minutes | 90 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Key Passes | 1 |
| Tackles (Won) | 6 (5) |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Recoveries | 5 |
| Ground Duels (Won) | 13 (7) |
| Aerial Duels (Won) | 5 (3) |
With Justin playing at left wing back against Everton, that is the third different position the defender has played in during the Whites’ last three Premier League games.
Against Fulham, Justin slotted into the back three as a right-sided centre half and against Newcastle, he was deployed as a right-wing back.
If Justin can keep impressing for Leeds in a variety of positions, he still may find his way back into the England squad at some point and fulfil his potential of being an “England superstar”.
