Elijah Just: From Austrian second division to World Cup star
Elijah Just has transformed from the Austrian second division to become a player who shined at the World Cup for New Zealand, scoring twice against Iran and asserting an important role at Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.
There was a brief moment in Elijah Just's Motherwell debut that made many fans doubt his ability. With a small body, Just collided with a Peterhead player in a dispute situation. Many fans' initial feelings about the 26-year-old reflect general concerns about the style of play that coach Jens Berthel Askou is trying to introduce in Scotland. Less than a year later, the Danish coach moved to Toulouse in Ligue 1, while Just shined on the biggest stage in world football after an outstanding season at club level.
When Just signed for Motherwell from Danish side Horsens last summer, there was no great excitement. Despite his experience at national team level, he has only had one season of football in Europe's top league since leaving New Zealand in 2019. The season before that, he played in the Austrian second division, on loan at SKN St Polten. However, Just shined in the Scottish Premiership last season. He was elected to the PFA Scotland squad of the year and was nominated for player of the year. But he surpassed those achievements in just one World Cup match, becoming the first Motherwell player to score at a World Cup and New Zealand's top scorer at these tournaments, with two stunning goals in a 2-2 draw with Iran in Los Angeles. "It's a memory that will stay with me for the rest of my life," Just shared after his standout performance. "It's amazing. This is something I couldn't even dream of, so I'm very happy. One goal is beautiful, two goals is amazing."
Just's development is even more remarkable given that he previously played under Askou at Horsens and struggled. He once talked about this coach's direct playing style before coming to Scotland. Last season, that style developed into some of the best playing style a non-Old Firm side in Scotland has seen for many years. On the field, Just played an important role in that success, not only with his eyes but also with impressive statistics. Compared to other attacking midfielders in the Premiership last season, only Celtic's Benjamin Nygren had a higher total of goals and assists. Only three players have more shots on target per 90 minutes, while only one creates more big chances. He ranked third for successful dribbles, second for tackles, fourth for ball recoveries and sixth for blocks.
"He's a real footballer," former Hibernian and Celtic midfielder Scott Allan told BBC Scotland. "He's quite small, but his awareness, his ability to play in tight areas and his ability to create danger is fantastic. Numbers aside - on the feel, he's been excellent. He knows how to receive the ball under pressure, has an image of what he wants to do and he's very physical, so he runs a lot."
As rumors about Just's future increase, he affirms that he does not want any distractions from his agent until he completes his World Cup duty. BBC Sport's football expert Chris Sutton, who followed New Zealand's draw with Iran, said Motherwell could "add a few numbers" to Just's price tag. Celtic, one of Sutton's former clubs, have been said to be interested in Just, as are rivals Glasgow Rangers. But after cementing a stellar season in Scotland with an impressive display at the World Cup, the former striker fears he could become out of reach. "Celtic should have signed Just before," said Sutton. "It might cost more now. Great performance from him." Motherwell, the team that is expected to announce a new coach in the near future, sold midfielder Lennon Miller to Udinese for a record price last summer. With Just having a year left on his contract, with an option for a further 12 months from the club, it will take a big fee to get this gem away from Lanarkshire.
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