James Justin earns Deeney Team of the Week recognition

James Justin has been named in Troy Deeney’s BBC Sport Team of the Week after scoring for Leeds United in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Arsenal.

The James Justin selection recognises his performance despite Leeds leaving the Emirates without a point. Deeney praised the defender’s development since moving from Leicester and the range of roles he can fill.

James Justin earns Deeney’s praise

In his weekly BBC selection, Deeney picked out Justin’s ability to play at right wing-back and right centre-back. He said the Leeds defender does not receive enough credit for what he brings to those positions.

“I don’t believe he gets anywhere near enough credit. An unbelievable goal and he could have had more on the day.”

That is Deeney’s assessment of the performance, rather than an official league award. Justin was one of the defenders selected in the pundit’s side after the latest round of Premier League matches.

James Justin goal gave Leeds the lead

Justin opened the scoring at Arsenal before the home side recovered to win. The result ended Leeds’ unbeaten start to the league campaign, but the goal and performance still earned recognition outside the club.

Leeds’ own weekend review described the opening goal as an emphatic finish following a quick move down the left. It said Daniel Farke’s team played particularly well in the first hour before Arsenal turned the match around.

Recognition follows Justin’s progress message

James Justin had already spoken about the disappointment of losing as a sign of Leeds’ progress. In comments carried by the club after the match, he compared the performance favourably with the previous season’s visit.

Read Justin’s own assessment of Leeds’ progress for his reaction. Deeney’s selection adds a separate view of the defender’s contribution, without changing the result or the lessons Leeds will take from it.

The full selection is on BBC Sport’s Team of the Week page. Match context is from Leeds United’s official weekend review.