The reasons why Leicester City manager Steve Cooper dropped star Foxes defender James Justin from the starting lineup have been revealed in the media. Some eyebrows were raised when Justin began against Manchester United in the English Football League Cup Round of 16 fixture in midweek. This is because Justin required a rest at least, so his inclusion made little sense to some. Yet here, we presumed that decision meant Cooper was dropping the one-time England international for the subsequent Premier League match at Ipswich Town.
Justin was indeed consequently and rightly omitted from the beginning against the Tractor Boys at Portman Road Stadium. That was following an overall disappointing and baffling performance versus Man United at Old Trafford. So, what was the chief reasoning, if any, for the Welshman's disregarding of one of his so-called best players? And do we think he should be reinstated in the left or right full back positions?
James Justin must watch how Arsenal defenders attack and how two Manchester City right backs play and defend
James Justin is overrated in his current state this season, and generally underperforms. Difficult as it is for a member of the Blue Army to admit. However, he possesses the athleticism, engine and talent to be one of the most threatening full backs in the EPL. Not to mention having the potential to be one of the tougher defenders around.
Although to achieve this, Justin must work hard. Like Michael Jordan or Cristiano Ronaldo hard. As well as a need to improve defensively, the former must also look to supply more key passes, assists and goals in the attacking half, easy as it is to sit here and say that.
Once again, Justin has the ability to do this but refinement is necessary. Even research wouldn't go amiss: examining the movement, robustness and intense covering of Man City right back Kyle Walker would be a start.
The keenness, ideas and passing range of someone such as Citizens youngster Rico Lewis would be further ideal further exploration for the 26-year old. Scrutinising how Arsenal full backs approach games when on the attack would be my advice to Cooper and Justin as a pair.
What next at Leicester City?
Though, the latter may be out of the side for a while. Of course, Justin was not selected to start for the crucial Ipswich match. And Cooper indicated why prior to the weekend's encounter with Kieran McKenna's men:
"If we’re talking about the right-hand side and conceding goals, I don’t think we should just talk about JJ. Obviously, he’s involved. But it’s not like he’s the only one who defends that side of the pitch. There’s centre-backs that play on that side, midfielders that play on that side, and even attacking players in front. We have got to try to cover the work, with and without the ball, for every position and every area of the pitch. That’s the challenge and job if you like. It’s a team thing."Steve Cooper