James Justin – Fantasy Football Potential

Leicester City have confirmed the signing of James Justin from Luton Town on a five year deal for a fee believed to be around £8 million. The 21 year old full back can play on both wings and joins as Brendon Rodgers first signing as the Leicester City manager.

The full back helped Luton Town to promotion from League One to the Championship last season and is a highly thought of young defender. Here’s what he has had to say about his move:

“I feel like I’m ready for this moment. I hope to bring a lot of energy and commitment to the badge. The manager is great with the younger players and developing them through their careers. Everyone speaks very highly of him and I hope he can help me too.”

Player History

Justin joined Luton Town in 2005 and has subsequently progressed through the youth set up, before signing his first professional contract in 2015. He made his professional debut on the final day of the 2015/16 season as he came on in the 83rd minute in a 4-1 victory over Exeter City.

2016/17 was a breakthrough season for Justin as he made his full debut in the EFL cup against Aston Villa. Across the season, Justin played a total of 39 appearances in a variety of positions including left and right back, scoring a single goal and assisting another 4. At the end of the season he was voted as Luton Town’s Young Player of the Season. The 2017/18 season was hampered by injury somewhat, but he managed to make 17 appearances in the league scoring 2 goals.

Last season Justin featured 52 times across all competitions, scoring 3 goals and 9 assists as Luton gained promotion to the Championship through winning the League One title. The wing back was named in the League One team of the year last season and is highly thought of as one of the best young talents not in the Premier League, as he once again won Luton Town’s Young Player of the Season.

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Internationally, Justin has played for England under-20’s on two occasions, making a sub appearance against the Netherlands in and a full debut against Switzerland.

Fantasy Football Potential

Justin is a very versatile player and likes to get forward a lot, averaging 1.31 shots per game last season, which is good news for fantasy managers. The concern is whether or not he will be able to get a starting spot over Pereira or Chilwell, which may be somewhat unlikely unless Pereira is moved into a more advanced position.

Justin is has now been added on Fantasy Premier League, being priced at £5.0m. Therefore, if there were any injuries to Pereira (£6.0m) or Chilwell (£5.5m) then there could be a bargain in the Leicester City ranks, who kept 10 clean sheets last season. It should also be noted that Leicester City released Danny Simpson this summer and Justin has likely been brought in to add some depth in the defensive positions.

Leicester City’s opening fixtures include a first five fixtures of; Wolves (H), Chelsea (A), Sheffield United (A), Bournemouth (H) and Manchester United (A). A bit of a mixed bag, but if you are keen to bring in a Leicester City defender then an assured starter such as Chilwell or Pereira would be a better move.

3 Responses

  1. Ninja says:

    Good differential pick, only if he’s in starting XI

    • FPL Updates says:

      Agreed. He appears to have the potential from a fantasy point of view with his attacking returns. Time will tell if he can break into the team, but not one to start with it appears… Pre-season should also give a good indication.

  1. July 6, 2019

    […] in the league. He is Leicester’s second signing of the summer after they secured the services of James Justin from Luton […]

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