What Micah Richards said about James Justin in 2021 will blow away Leeds fans
Leeds United look to be closing in on a deal for Leicester City’s James Justin.
With the new Premier League season rapidly approaching, Leeds still have multiple gaping holes within their squad.
Farke requires quality depth and competition at full-back, but the signing of Justin would help to remedy this issue.
Justin, 27, has a wealth of top-flight experience under his belt, and what former Manchester City right-back Micah Richards had to say about the defender will have Leeds fans excited.
Richards full of praise for Justin
With Isaac Schmid struggling in pre-season and Sam Byram being evidently past his best and injury-prone, securing the full-back’s signature must be a top priority.
With reports suggesting that Leeds are in advanced talks for Justin, comments from Richards have resurfaced.
Speaking on Sky Sports in 2021, the former England international said: “He’s been absolutely brilliant,
“I think he’s been one of the best full-backs in the league this season. He’s got absolutely everything, he can play left-back, he can read the game, he can go forward, he can defend and for just 22 years of age. He can run, he’s an athlete, isn’t he?
“The thing I like about him, when he gets in the (attacking) positions, a lot of full-backs rush their pass, but he has patience when he gets in there, he’s got composure, he can see a pass,” Richards said.
Including the ability to play at both left and right back, Justin’s versatility would be a valuable tool for Farke’s squad.
Justin is also thought highly of by former manager Brendan Rodgers
Justin played a pivotal role in Rodgers’ Leicester side, that were either in Europe or knocking on the door of the upper echelons of the Premier League.
- Justin also won the FA Cup with Leicester in 2021
The top-flight is renowned for its athleticism, and unlike Byram, who is likely to struggle, Justin has proven to be able to thrive in this environment.
Following Leicester’s 0-0 draw with Wolves back in 2021, Rodgers was full of praise for his defender, who managed to completely neutralise Adama Traore.
After shutting down the threat of the Spaniard, Rodgers said: “Traore, once the game opens up, he’s such a threat. But I thought James Justin was outstanding with his defensive qualities.
“If you leave (Traore) one vs. one, he’s so fast and powerful, he can go either way, but I thought the players dealt with that really well and snuffed out that threat.”
Rodgers labelled Justin “outstanding” following his performance, proving the full-back is also capable of being defensively responsible as well as an attacking threat.
Another player who could be on the verge of joining the Whites is Manor Solomon, who is reportedly keen on a return to Elland Road as Farke’s squad continues to take shape for the Premier League campaign.
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