adminJoe Rodon’s hamstring injury has dealt a significant blow to Leeds United, who will be without the experienced centre-back for more than two months.
The Welshman’s injury has prompted a major alteration to Leeds United’s defensive structure, with Farke making a couple of changes to his back line in the 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Nico Elvedi was always expected to come into the defence after Rodon suffered his injury. The new signing’s wealth of top-level experience will now prove valuable for the Leeds boss.
However, Farke’s decision to drop Jaka Bijol from the starting eleven and retain James Justin in the back three surprised many at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
Adam Pope reveals why Daniel Farke changed the setup
James Justin is a full-back by trade, but he was outstanding in the three-man defence last season when Leeds were dealing with several injury problems.
He was chosen to start ahead of a fit Jaka Bijol on Saturday, and the former Leicester man is expected to retain his place in the side going forward.
Adam Pope has explained that one of the key reasons behind Farke’s decision to continue with Justin in the centre-back role is his versatility across multiple positions.
Jaka Bijol entered the game after the hour mark in place of Jayden Bogle, with Justin smoothly moving into the right-back position for the final 30 minutes at the Amex Stadium.
Speaking on the BBC’s Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, he said: “The other interesting thing I think was James Justin being, obviously, keeping his place.
“But it’s, and that was largely because, as well, he can do a hybrid role- the sort of right centre-back, wing-back, winger sort of thing.
So that was largely why I think, as well, why he stayed in the team, because he could do that.”
Bijol likely to get his chance against Chelsea
Daniel Farke is expected to make several alterations to the starting eleven when Leeds face Chelsea in the third round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.
Jaka Bijol could be handed a starting role after being left out against Brighton, while Justin could also feature, but in a traditional full-back position.
The Slovenian will have an opportunity to show Farke that he deserves to regain his place in the starting lineup ahead of the next Premier League fixture.
However, Justin’s versatility provides Farke with greater tactical flexibility, and that could give him the advantage over Bijol at this point in the season.
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