The Leeds United defender has impressed across multiple positions this season.
James Justin believes Leeds United targeted him last summer thanks in part to his versatility.
Those questions continued up until the point where Justin started his first game at Manchester City in November, covering for Gabriel Gudmundsson at left-back. Since then, the defender has started a further 17 games across all competitions in multiple positions and across multiple formations.
Farke switched to a back-three at half-time against City and has since used Justin across the entire defensive line, with the former Leicester man looking equally comfortable defensively in each role. All of a sudden, £10m looks a good deal for experienced and varied cover.
“I feel like, by this time, I've played in basically every position across the back line and midfield,” Justin told the Official Leeds United podcast. “Whether it be starting in midfield or as you see nowadays, inverting [from full-back]. I feel like you just need to understand the positions on the pitch and their roles.
“Each game is different as well. I think he [Farke] obviously knows that I can play in a lot of positions and do whatever. I feel like that’s one of the reasons they recruited me this season. Especially since we changed shape, there’s more positions I can play other than right-back and left-back.
“I can play both sides at centre-back or wing-back. It just gives me more opportunities. There’s not been a discussion about what to do in each position, I feel like a lot of it now is gameplan based.”
James Justin on having Daniel Farke’s trust
Justin’s performances this season have earned him a starting place even when others are fit, with the likes of Jayden Bogle or Jaka Bijol dropping to the bench at times. On Sunday at West Ham, Gudmundsson wasn’t risked due to a minor injury and the decision was no doubt made easier by having good cover.
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Farke labelled the versatile defender ‘outstanding’ after contributing to a clean sheet at Liverpool but added he was ‘not surprised’ to see such quality. The Whites boss evidently trusts Justin to do a job wherever needed.
“It’s nice that he puts his trust in me to play all these different positions and obviously do a good job in any of them,” Justin added. “It gives you more chances to play
“It's also harder to lock down one position because you're moving so often, which is a difficult part of it. But I'm just happy to be out on the pitch at any time to be honest, and helping fight to stay up.”
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