Why Leicester’s defence can become the best in Premier League: fullbacks

James Justin

“He just knows where to stand”

The future England international joined Leicester from Luton Town, the same club who the East Midlands team loaned the simply superb Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to. What a great relationship we have with that club!

Justin has been fantastic. No way around that fact. He probably did not expect to be playing constantly at Leicester City when he joined, but injuries to either Chilly or Ricky P meant he was starting every game. In this new season, up until his untimely ACL injury, he has been nothing short of sensational.

two goals, 0.9 big chances created per 90, 18.9 passes completed in the opposition half per 90, 15 progressive passes per 90, a 64.29% ground duel success rate, 1.4 interceptions and two clearances per 90. Simply immense.

What Justin brings is different to what Castagne or Ricky P bring. He is less penetrative, less attacking. However, he is exceptional both positionally and defensively. He just knows where to stand to stop attacks or even score goals!

This positional and defensive strength make him a perfect counterpart for either Castagne or Pereira. Have Justin on the other side to either of them, and if a change of shape is required then Justin can go almost anywhere.

He plays right-back, left-back, centre-back, wing-back, and has even played as a left-winger during pre-season! How many more positions can he play? He is like James Milner!

Leicester City’s youngsters and new options

Also available are the wonderkid Luke Thomas and new boy Vontae Daley-Campbell. The two of them are young prospects looking to improve their games massively before trying to break into the senior squad on a more regular basis.

Thomas played exceptionally when he was called upon for the final three games of the last season. Simply put, he got an assist, looked lively, and defended well, though he was positionally off par.

VDC joined the Foxes from the Arsenal academy, so he is a talented and gifted youngster. He has played for the senior team once: the 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup. To summarise what I think of him, he is developing very well.

The two off the are once more different options providing different talents. Thomas is more of a pacey and technical player, able to conjure up attacking plays brilliantly, where his defensive skills are more energetic and risky.

VDC is strong and possesses a strong tackle and right-foot, able to prevent goal-scoring opportunities with decent positioning and inch-perfect tackles. He is by no means a finished article.

I would contend that neither of these two are ready for the senior team regularly, and should try and go out on loan together to a good team. I would recommend two locations: bring back some loanees from OHL and send them together to Belgium’s first division, or to Ligue 1 in France.

So, do we need to buy any other player? There is a very strong argument that we simply do not need to purchase anyone else. Daniel Amartey can play right back if called upon, Marc Albrighton can fall back into a defensive position on either flank, we have three senior first team players and two highly promising fullbacks coming through the ranks.

However, let’s be a bit speculative and make a suggestion. LOSC Lille’s Domagoj Bradaric. A player who has played left-back, wing-back, left-winger, and right back. He is another young first team player breaking out in this exceptional campaign for Lillie.

He provides the attacking intent, and defensive energy of Luke Thomas, while being more experienced, cultured, and positionally sound. This young player would be my pick of the crop to bring to the King Power.