Was James Justin playing as an auxiliary striker for Leicester?

From time to time the positions that footballers occupy will cause interesting observations from onlookers. One such peculiar claim was made about James Justin of Leicester City. A player who is normally a full-back playing in a particularly attacking role against Brentford last Sunday.

This interesting claim was made by the fantastic Jordan Blackwell for the Leicester Mercury recently, but in truth Blackwell was highlighting a bigger point that will be interesting to observe in the final two months of the season. Justin made several lung-busting runs down the right-hand side in the recent victory and offered himself in forward positions frequently by darting directly into the penalty box.

Luton Town’s former star managed the second-most touches behind forward Kelechi Iheanacho in the Bees’ box, as well as the most shots (three). With opposite full-back Timothy Castagne producing an absolute ‘worldie’ of a goal from the left-hand side, the full-back areas will be a key spot Leicester will look to exploit.

Luke Thomas and Ricardo Pereira are also now fit, so this is one of the few times Brendan Rodgers has had the availability of all full-backs in his squad. This rarity will help City prosper in an area that assisted at one point in the chase for Champions League Football in recent years; remember those days?!

Ben Chilwell hit a spectacular goal at Watford in 2020, and in 2021 Luke Thomas hit a thunderous volley at Manchester United’s Old Trafford. Additionally, Justin smashed a thunderbolt in at Stoke City and rounded off a wonderful move at Fulham. Let’s also not forget Ricardo made a habit of arriving late in the box to grab a goal; most recently in February against West Ham United.

In conclusion, the term ‘striker’ might be overplaying Justin’s role slightly, but it does offer an intriguing insight into the East Midlands side’s attacking defenders. Furthermore, it could well have a key say in how well this season ends. But as always with Leicester, presently – injuries may have the final say!