The impact of James Justin's versatility - and his success in each role - cannot be understated
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
05:00, 19 Apr 2026
James Justin (L) celebrated his third Leeds United goal on Saturday
View 2 Images
James Justin (L) celebrated his third Leeds United goal on Saturday(Image: Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images)
There are a number of signings that could be branded “bargains” in the Daniel Farke era. Ao Tanaka, Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu. James Justin is right up there with them.
Leicester City fans were taunting their Leeds United counterparts amid the initial £8m fee dished out for the full-back. Or is he a wing back? Or a central defender? So versatile is he that Farke must be rubbing his hands at the player he has within his ranks.
Not only that but he has produced in every position he has been asked to play. Against Wolverhampton Wanderers he showcased his ability to do both - scoring an over-head kick and then running back to deny Adam Armstrong a one-on-one chance not long after.
It is astonishing to think that it took until the last game of November for Justin to be given his full Premier League debut for Leeds. He is now a bread-and-butter pick of the side and even usurped Bogle at right-wing-back the last time Farke had to pick between the pair.
“I’ve rarely played with a player of his football intelligence, how smart he is and how he reads the game,” Farke said last month. “He’s always there with the right decision.
Leeds United's 2025/26 shirts now £25
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£70
£25
Fanatics
Buy Now on Fanatics
Leeds United have is offering this season's home, away and third adult jerseys for £25 ahead of their trip to Wembley FA Cup semi-final.
“What he’s doing is always 9/10. He’s delivering on the highest level. It’s a joy to work with him. I’m pretty sure after his career he’ll be a top coach.”
But as for the here and now, Justin is offering Leeds a level of quality that few foresaw upon his arrival at Elland Road. He is also offering a lot of experience, having tallied 99 Premier League appearances and an FA Cup triumph prior to his summer switch.
The 28-year-old has had to overcome adversity, with two relegations at Leicester and suffered a ruptured Achilles in 2022. He’s been through a lot, but he recently told the official Leeds United podcast that this had only made him stronger and more keen to play games.
Justin has not been injured once since making Elland Road his home and looks as though he might well ensure he does not suffer personal back-to-back relegations. “It's not over until it's over,” he nevertheless underlined to Sky Sports on Saturday, giving insight into this gritty mindset.
James Justin of Leeds United scores his team's first goal
View 2 Images
James Justin of Leeds United scores his team's first goal (Image: Getty Images)
“We're on a good points total but until we are mathematically safe we will still work hard until the end."
He did add: “It's crunch time. We put two good wins back-to-back for the first time this season. What a time to do it. It gives us a bit of a buffer and it's looking good."
Justin has played a huge role in the fight for survival so far, with two Premier League goals and assists to his name as well as six clean sheets to boast about, including three in his last four top flight games. He has been a gem of a find - a jack of many trades and an expert at them too.
This versatility is exactly what is needed for both Leeds, and as it happens, tournament football. His sole England cap came nearly four years ago.
Article continues below
Realistically it is unlikely Justin ends his long wait for a second international outing this summer, despite on paper being someone who could be of use.
He should at least be on Thomas Tuchel’s radar. Selection seems a bit late in the day now, having not played under Tuchel. But you never know. The England boss has Farke’s number.
OLLOW OUR LUFC FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news, analysis and more on our Leeds United FB page