Jordan James doesn't just resemble Steven Gerrard - he plays like him

In the recently past summer, fans of Leicester City Football Club's worry over the team's recruitment hit the roof. For once, the Foxes' Blue Army fan base weren't worried about funds made since winning the Premier League being spent on mediocrity or overpriced talent on that occasion. No; the true concern this time around was whether or not City would sign any players (particularly outfield personnel) whatsoever!

What led the previously very well run East Midlands outfit (in general) to this pretty disastrous stage? Mismanagement, poor acquisitions, incorrect managerial appointments and offering far too high salaries to under qualified people. It is said that the attempts to back former LCFC head coach Brendan Rodgers in the transfer market caused the initial issues.

Successive English top flight relegations compounded the King Power club's problems entirely. This left the squad with one rather underwhelming signing in veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic as September 2025 rolled in. Things looked bad for Leicester; then three promising-appearing loans occurred, thankfully! Enter Jordan James.

Leicester City midfielder Jordan James doesn't just resemble Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard - he plays like him too

While Julian Carranza seems another unfortunate signing at this point, Aaron Ramsey could be a great addition. That's if the Burnley loanee remains fit and available.

Though James is undoubtedly a deft arrival. Thank the Lord that City reportedly have an option to buy for the former Birmingham City man.

I'd label James the real deal: he made his Wales international debut at the tender age of 18, for example. But his form for a troubled LCFC is truly impressive; standing out in a floundering or struggling side is a difficult task.

Though for footballers with gifts like the 21-year-old, that isn't as hard as it is for others. You see, James was blessed with technical qualities, a supreme engine, a desire to win or win the ball, finishing ability, composure and compassion for his teammates and supporters.

That's quite the mix. As a matter of fact, the Rennes loan player actually reminds a few of us of a young Steven Gerrard. Having a slightly similar appearance in general does help; the hairline is especially alike.

"It’s not just that he [JJ] looks like the former Liverpool captain, but there are similarities in the way they play, especially when James gets to go box-to-box. Gerrard ran from deep to score a few headers too, most notably in the 2005 Champions League final."

Jordan Blackwell, Leicester Mercury

I was lucky enough to watch Gerrard play live for the Reds against LCFC at Filbert Street when the ex-England star was 18, I believe. He stood out similarly to James in a playing capacity even then. The raking passes, challenging, creating, winning duels, scoring - battlers.

Let's hope the latter is permanently signed for City as soon as possible. Not to mention that he continues to develop like Gerrard and eventually achieves even a modicum of the Liverpool icon's success and stature. Box-to-box defending and goalscoring, indeed!