Leicester City right-back James Justin‘s popularity skyrocketed this week as he climbed 93 places and gained 9,261 points in the Goalden View Popularity Ranking (GVPR). In the game against title contenders Arsenal, Justin doubled his all-time Premier League goal tally, scoring two goals, one of which being a spectacular header and the other a contender for Goal of the Season.
Justin isn’t the player you would typically think of when it comes to scoring goals. Before the match against Arsenal, he had only two goals in 68 Premier League appearances. For him to net a brace is nothing less than a shock. Therefore, such an achievement would be sure to boost his popularity, regardless of the quality of the goals. However, the fact that Justin, a right-back not known for his goal-scoring prowess, managed to execute perfect technique and pull off a stunning volley would only accelerate his popularity even further.
Most football fans are enamoured with goals that make you hold your head in disbelief. These spectacular strikes, regardless of the event, are shown repeatedly in highlight reels across various platforms. Justin’s goal was reminiscent of Benjamin Pavard’s insane volley against Argentina in the 2018 World Cup, which is often cited for its similarity in execution. Both goals showcase incredible technique and timing, with Pavard’s being etched into memory as one of the tournament’s greatest highlights.
While Pavard’s goal will always be remembered as an iconic moment on the world stage, Justin’s strike deserves recognition as well. Although it was scored in a regular league match rather than a prestigious international tournament that occurs every four years, the quality of his finish certainly places it in the same tier. Fans can’t help but appreciate the artistry of both goals, likely being the driving factor behind Justin’s latest GVPR jump. Could this become a defining moment in his career and provide a platform to continue growing his popularity? Or will this go down simply as James Justin’s greatest highlight?