JUSTIN 1 TAMMY 0
James held Abraham goalless and now aims to do the same with habitual Fox-hunter Kane
LEICESTER defender James Justin helped to keep in-form Tammy Abraham quiet in Europe – and now plans to do the same to Tottenham hitman Harry Kane.
Kane has scored 16 Premier League goals against the Foxes since they were promoted in 2014.
But Leicester managed to keep Abraham – this season’s topscoring Englishman – quiet during Roma’s 1-1 draw in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.
The former Chelsea striker was unable to add to his 26 goals in all competitions.
Now Justin plans to do the same to the next highest-scoring English striker from Europe’s ‘big five’ leagues, when they visit Tottenham tomorrow, with Kane (below) having scored 22 goals in all competitions this term.
Justin, 24, said: “Tammy up front is a handful, definitely. But I thought we coped with it well and that should help at the weekend.
“They are both top strikers and Harry has done it for years in the Premier League. He is a world-class striker, so it is going to be tough keeping him quiet but we will do our best.”
Leicester were unlucky not to beat Roma, despite falling behind after just 15 minutes in the first leg of their semi-final. James Maddison was the key to the Foxes’ fightback, as he operated in a deeper role as a midfield playmaker.
He said: “I have always seen myself as one of the leaders in the group, even when I was young and in the academy at Coventry.
“When we’re not playing well, I try to be the leader who takes control. I’m getting older now, I’m 25, so I’m no longer the young player anymore.
“I’m an established player and I’ve had experiences that I can help the younger lads with.”
Maddison has 14 goals and eight assists in all competitions for the Foxes and said: “This is probably the best season I’ve had for Leicester in the four years I’ve been here.
“It’s hard sometimes when you aren’t necessarily having the best season as a team, because you don’t want to look and give yourself praise for personal performances, with it being a team game.
“But, if I was to reflect at the end of the season, I’d be happy with my numbers.
“I also feel like I’ve added more maturity and consistency to my game. Now it’s about finishing strongly and producing more special moments in Europe and in the Premier League.”