FanSided World Football
·16 December 2024
FanSided World Football
·16 December 2024
Given the shambolic team performance shown by Leicester against Newcastle United, it is difficult for fans to point out any "standout" players, for better or more likely for worse.
That said, there were some Leicester players who appeared desperate to put themselves on a pedestal of worst performers. One of those players, without a doubt, was James Justin.
Justin, who has not had a good overall season by any stretch of the imagination, performed like a headless chicken and seriously struggled against Anthony Gordon. In fact, he was embarrassed on numerous occasions in the match.
In fairness, James Justin has held his hands in the air and blamed himself for the poor performance against Newcastle. He admitted that himself his teammates were not all there at the weekend.
In his own words (quoted by Leicester City News): “I just feel like we were off it all over the pitch. Me individually and as a team, we just weren’t at the level today and we got punished in quick succession in the second half. We have to look in the mirror and try to bounce back. I feel like the manager gave us a good structure to play from and we didn’t execute it as well as we can."
Now that we are almost at the halfway point of the season, it is the right time to reflect on player performances. Looking at James Justin's season as a whole, he has been underwhelming on the right side.
Sure, he had that brilliant individual display at the Emirates Stadium. However, he has been caught out in the defence numerous times and he should be counting his lucky stars he's still in the starting lineup.
When Ruud van Nistelrooy came in, he immediately removed Wout Faes from the starting lineup. This was despite the centre-back being a mainstay under Enzo Maresca and Steve Cooper. So, this shows that Ruud van Nistelrooy is not at Leicester to make friends but instead, he will give them tough love.
Indeed, Wout Faes and James Justin (Leicester's right side of the defence) have been to blame for many goals conceded on that side this season. They do not work harmoniously and they are all over the place.
Unfortunately, the Coady-Justin partnership doesn't work too well either. Of the two partnerships, there is one common denominator here.