Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Thu 9 April 2026 7:10, UK

James Justin has been linked to Stuart Dallas, but the Leeds United defender isn’t as much of a Swiss Army Knife as the Northern Irishman.

Justin swapped Leicester City for Leeds last August in an initial £8million move, and after an underwhelming start, he has come into his own at Elland Road this year.

The 28-year-old has been deployed right across Leeds’ defensive line, as Daniel Farke continues to back the one-time England international in 2026.

After playing at centre-back, full-back, and wing-back, comparisons have been made with one of Leeds’ most versatile players this century in Dallas.

And while Justin is doing well at Leeds in multiple positions, he has a way to go to get to Dallas’ level.

Stuart Dallas talks up James Justin’s quality

On the latest episode of The Official Leeds United Podcast, ex-Leeds striker Michael Bridges paid tribute to Justin’s versatility and leadership on the pitch.

In response, Justin said, “I feel like Stu [Dallas] did the same. Obviously, you were put in this position, that position, you always did a job, and that was your floor as well, in terms of giving it your all.

“I’ve basically played in all the backline positions, I’ve played in midfield, whether it be starting there or inverting. You just need to understand the positions on the pitch and their roles.”

Justin, who didn’t have his best game against West Ham in the FA Cup on Sunday, did add that it is harder to lock down one position when you are being deployed in a vast array of different ones, but he is just happy to be on the pitch.

That led former Brentford man Dallas, who played as a full-back, a defensive midfielder, a winger, a central midfielder, and a number 10 during his time at Leeds, to stress how difficult it is to be versatile.

He said, “I didn’t have the most quality in the world, but I knew how to work hard and knew what it meant to play for the clubs I played for. People don’t realise how hard it is at times. One week you’re playing right wing-back and the next it’s on the left.”

Leeds’ survival is in their own hands

Before the season began, if Leeds fans had been asked if they would accept being 15th in the Premier League and four points above the relegation zone, many would have taken that.

Now that they are in it, the nerves are reaching fever point, as Leeds prepare to face old adversary Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday.

The gap to the bottom three could shrink substantially if Tottenham and West Ham win at the weekend, with Leeds heavy underdogs to get a victory at Old Trafford.

But Leeds’ fighting spirit and commitment to the cause have got them to this position, when others have languished behind them.

And with games against Wolves, Burnley, Tottenham, and West Ham to come, there are plenty of chances to pick up wins and beat the drop.

In this stretch, Justin and his teammates will all need to do their bit to preserve their top-flight status for another year.