The future of Leicester City’s full backs explained
By Damon Carter
Timothy Castagne – Right-back / Left-back/ Wing-back
With only 1 game under his belt against a sub-par West Brom it would be dangerous to get too carried away with the Belgian international. But what a performance! A goal sneaking in on the blind side and a well marshalled display of positional sense, attacking play and a cross criminally under-attacked.
Castagne’s time at Atalanta was characterised by marauding runs similar to Ricardo’s, so what we have currently seen could be the tip of the iceberg. What’s most intriguing about the Belgian is that many of us thought he was the replacement for Chilwell, but he is currently occupying the absent Ricardo’s Right-back berth. Only when Ricardo returns will we get a real indication of where Brendan Rodgers sees Castagne’s future. But with versatility a main attribute of Castagne’s we will learn lots about his adaptability in a range of positions. At the age of 24 another gem has likely been unearthed.
James Justin – Right-back / Left-back/ Wing-back
Up until a year ago James Justin had played no further than the level of League One. Now he is potentially looking at a full Premier League season of games with Europe thrown in as well.
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What Chelsea fans might not like to hear is that Justin had a very real case to be keeping Ben Chilwell out of the side prior to lockdown. This after a fine Left-back performance against Aston Villa. He then had to adapt over to the right side filling in for Ricardo who injured himself in the same game. As good a player as he is there have been a few shaky performances, one notably against Brighton where he was lucky to stay on the pitch after a clumsy foul and conceded penalty.
But the former Luton Town man is encouraged to add attacking threat and could have scored a screamer against Crystal Palace had it not been for the woodwork. His performance at West Brom was equally brilliant and shaky in places. But he is learning fast and will be important as Leicester navigate the challenge of a Thursday-Sunday timetable from October. But where he is best used will change when Ricardo returns.