The full-back is back in action after missing the final six months of last season due to an Achilles rupture, although he has yet to play a Championship game under the new management.
Enzo Maresca has insisted that James Justin will be an important part of his Leicester City team, even as the full-back awaits his first Championship start of the season.
The England international started both Carabao Cup matches against Burton and Tranmere, and he made his league debut against Rotherham, playing the final few minutes, although he has been an unused replacement in the remaining four Championship games.
Return to full fitness After missing the final six months of last season due to an Achilles rupture, it was believed that Justin would play a vital role in the Championship, and Maresca has stated that he will, even though he hasn’t got the game-time to demonstrate it yet.
“The only thing I can say is that I love JJ,” Maresca remarked. “I really like JJ because of the way he works and the way he is.” He will assist us completely. He is not currently playing, but I am confident that he will play many games with us in the future.
“They work well with Hamza (Choudhury).” These players will remain. We require them. We need JJ, Hamza, and other players of this kind.
“If we need to use full-backs up and down, JJ can play full-back.” But we also use him to go inside when we build three at the back on the right side. He’s growing and learning a lot. It’s an adventure.”
Justin appears to be Maresca’s first-choice back-up for the defensive trio, and he would benefit if Jannik Vestergaard left for Anderlecht before the Belgian transfer window closes on Wednesday night, especially because Conor Coady is out injured.
However, while the manager believes Justin’s best position is on the right, Justin likes to play on the left. He made an impression at left-back for Luton Town before joining City in 2019. The ultimate goal, however, is promotion, with Burnley’s success last season serving as a model for City.
“I prefer playing on the left, but I’m not picky,” he said last month to the Sun. “I just go about my business.” It’s been exciting and intense. Many of the manager’s philosophies have been implemented. It will take time to get everything just right.
“We’ve worked on how we construct. Many teams play four in the back as standard, or three with two wing-backs. We’re modifying that and replicating City’s move of John Stones to midfield. Brighton has a similar concept, but we want to put our own touch on it.
“What (Burnley) accomplished was incredible, and hopefully we can achieve something similar.” (Vincent) Kompany stated that when he arrived at Burnley, the club already had solid ideas and a basis, which we also have at Leicester. He demonstrated what Burnley could achieve if they had the courage to play in that manner.”
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