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Troy Deeney raves about James Justin after what he's seen at Leeds - 'He's just a joke'
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- Troy Deeney raves about James Justin after what he's seen at Leeds - 'He's just a joke'
Troy Deeney has heaped praise on James Justin after Leeds United's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.
The versatile defender started his sixth consecutive Premier League game under Daniel Farke at the Emirates Stadium on 10 October.
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In the 55th minute, the 28-year-old put the Whites ahead in North London.
Justin bombarded forward at every opportunity he got and in the end was rewarded with a goal against Arsenal.
Leeds seemed to have the North London club's number for most of the game, but the champions turned it around soon after going behind.
Despite the 2-1 loss, the former Leicester City ace caught Deeney's eye, who included the defender in his Team of the Week.
Troy Deeney in awe of James Justin after Leeds United loss vs Arsenal
Justin's signing can be considered a bargain for Leeds , agreeing a £10million package deal with Leicester in the summer of 2025.
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The right-back has been one of the Whites' standout players since last season, continuing his fine form after helping secure Premier League safety at Elland Road.
Against Arsenal, the defender played as a right-sided centre-back but consistently bombed up the field, giving Mikel Arteta's team plenty of problems.
Deeney is in love with how Justin has transformed since his time in West Yorkshire, with his versatility blowing the former Watford striker away.
The Englishman has gone a bit under the radar in the Premier League, but showed his class against the reigning champions.
Writing in BBC Sport on 12 October, Deeney said, "I know he loves playing against Arsenal, but the transformation he has had from when he was at Leicester to Leeds - the ability to play right wing-back, right centre-back.
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"Everything that he gives you in that situation, he's just a joke of a centre-back. I don't believe he gets anywhere near enough credit. An unbelievable goal and he could have had more on the day."
Why James Justin could cost Leeds United even more money after loss vs Arsenal Why Daniel Farke has massive selection headache at Elland Road
Justin, Nico Elvedi and Tarik Muharemovic have formed a solid partnership at the back for Leeds.
With Joe Rodon out, the Switzerland international has stepped up and given Farke a clear selection headache.
Once the Wales international returns to full fitness, it will be interesting to see who will drop to the bench, if anyone.
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Rodon has been a key player for Farke and will likely return to the starting line-up soon, if the chance arises.
Given Justin's form, it wouldn't make sense to replace him with the Welshman.
The ex-Leicester ace could play as a right-wing-back, but Jayden Bogle has also been impressive this season.
Farke could soon face a massive dilemma and it remains to be seen how he handles it.
