Calvert-Lewin hails James Justin as emerging Leeds leader | OneFootball

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has hailed James Justin as a leader and a driving force in Leeds United’s push for Premier League safety.

“Since he’s come into the team, he’s made such a difference in how he plays and carries himself and manages the game, and how that then spreads across the group,” Calvert-Lewin told BBC Radio Leeds.

Justin joined from Leicester City in an initial £8 million move, then waited until the November trip to Manchester City for his first start. That outing coincided with Daniel Farke switching to a back three, sparking Leeds’ fine run. Since then they have lost only twice, with Justin starting the last nine league matches and captaining the FA Cup fourth-round tie at Birmingham City during rotation.

“You can see the way he leads by example - it’s been key in this run that we’ve been on. He doesn’t get enough credit that he deserves. He keeps himself to himself, he’s a quiet guy day to day. But for me, when he’s on the pitch he’s top level.”

Farke has also praised Justin’s character, saying he stayed professional and supportive when not playing, always putting the team first, and that he embodies the club. He believes Justin does not need the armband to lead in the dressing room, while stressing he has several strong leaders in the squad.

Justin, 28, has two goals and one assist in 22 appearances for Leeds, and signed a four-year contract last summer.

Source: Leeds Live