When Gabriel Gudmundsson went down just before the half-time break, Leeds United fans held their breath. But they needn’t have worried as James Justin came on to replace the Swedish ace.
Gudmundsson seemed to fall on Jaka Bijol’s studs and looked in some discomfort as he left the field of play just before the break. Daniel Farke was unsure if Gudmundsson was set for a spell on the sidelines.
Leeds fans will find out more this week when Farke holds his pre-Brighton press conference. Of all the new signings at Elland Road, Gudmundsson has been one of the best especially, at a bargain £10m fee.
It would have concerned Leeds fans when Gudmundsson limped off, replaced by James Justin. The full-back replaced Gudmundsson and it was hardly noticed, which is to the £10m star’s credit last Friday.
James Justin in action for Leeds.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
James Justin shines in his first meaningful Leeds outing
Justin had come on in three other Premier League games prior, but the most of which was a 10-minute outing in the 0-0 draw against Newcastle. His outing against West Ham was his first proper Leeds outing.
A tough ask, given he had to come up against Jarrod Bowen. While Bowen laid on an assist late on, Justin did a superb job of keeping Bowen quiet. All the praise has gone to Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon.
Justin’s cameo went under the radar but his stats from his West Ham outing are impressive. His display served as a reminder to Farke that he is not simply at Leeds to provide cover, but to fight for his place.
James Justin stats for Leeds in win against West Ham:
46 minutes played, 6.8 FotMob rating
Eight defensive contributions (eighth-highest despite not starting)
43 touches, 18/21 successful passes (86% – only five players had a better %)
Three interceptions (joint-highest with Aaron Wan-Bissaka)
Two headed clearances (joint-fifth)
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To have the joint-most interceptions and joint-fifth headed clearances for a player that played half the minutes of many other players involved on Friday night, is impressive. Justin was excellent on Friday.
James Justin is far too good to be playing second fiddle
Jaka Bijol was signed for £15m and termed a “marquee signing” by boss Farke. The fan pressure played a part in Farke bringing the Slovenian into the side against West Ham, but Justin has not had that yet.
James Justin applauds the Leeds fans.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
That is largely due to the form of Jayden Bogle and Gudmundsson. But his 46-minute display against West Ham will show Leeds fans and Farke that he is easily good enough to start for Leeds this season.
Whether Justin will get a chance remains to be seen, but if Gudmundsson is injured for the trip to Brighton, then Leeds fans shouldn’t worry. They have a player equally as good as the Swede in Justin.