Aston Villa Opinion: Why Dean Smith should go all out to sign James Justin?
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Aston Villa have entered the race to sign Luton Town starlet James Justin. Leicester City and Stoke City are the other clubs keen on getting the 21-year-old’s signature.
James Justin has come up through the ranks with his hometown club Luton Town and played a key part in winning the League One title, featuring prominently at left-back. The highly-rated full-back was named in the League One team of the year for his consistent performances.
The 21-year-old has one year left on contract with an option, but Luton would be looking for around £5million, adds the report. That being said, Aston Villa must go all out and beat Leicester and Stoke for Justin’s signature this summer.
Aston Villa take on Derby County in the Championship playoff final next week after seeing off West Bromwich Albion in the last round, meaning they’re just one win away from a return to the Premier League.
Having gone so close last year, Villa will surely be determined to put things right this time around. Dean Smith’s men start as favourites for the big game at Wembley and will feel confident having emphatically beaten Derby County twice in the regular season.
Regardless of the Championship playoff final outcome, Smith needs to reshape his squad for next season. The Aston Villa boss signed a number of players during the January transfer window, including Frederic Guilbert from SM Caen. After signing Guilbert, Villa loaned him back to Caen and he is due to return to Villa Park next month ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.
So with Villa’s right-back position already fixed with Guilbert’s signing, Smith must address the left-back position by signing James Justin. Equally as adept going forward as defending, Justin has become hot property after putting in some serious exciting displays for Luton this past season.
He has so many elements to his game as a player—ability on the ball, agility, speed and defensive acumen—these are all traits that you will struggle to find in a player of Justin’ age. The Luton Town academy star is a ridiculously talented player with a massive potential to unlock in the upcoming years.
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Justin’s potential acquisition would see him compete with Neil Taylor at left-back as well as provide cover to the likes of Ahmed Elmohamady and Frederic Guilbert next season.
Verdict
Should Aston Villa manage to sign the 21-year-old, he will significantly boost Dean Smith’s defensive options at the Villa Park. Justin has all the makings of a top full-back and has the talents to compete with Neil Taylor for a regular starting berth under Smith next season.
