Leeds United’s win over Sheffield Wednesday and Reading’s loss at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend has enabled the Whites to maintain their stronghold as far as the playoff spots are concerned. Make no mistake; the job Garry Monk had consented to undertake was always going to be a baptism of fire, given the knack of the Whites to fire their managers impatiently of late. Along with the manager, the players also deserve the praise that is been dished to them and one of the players who deserves it the most is none other than Pontus Jansson.
Chris Wood might be banging the goals left, right and centre and grabbing the headlines in the major dailies but it is the resilience shown by the defensive unit of the Peacocks, led by Jansson which has been integral to the vital points which they have notched up. His stupendous and consistent performances have thrown him into the limelight and clubs such as Southampton are already queuing up to make him put pen to the paper in the summer transfer window and lure him to St. Mary’s.
Jansson can be best described as a player who wears the Leeds United shirt with unadulterated pride. It was his move to the Elland Road that helped him resurrect his career by forming a formidable partnership with Kyle Bartley at the heart of Monk’s defence. He thrives under pressure, blossoms in tight situations and has earned his stature of being a leader on the pitch: something Leeds United were desperate to have for quite some time prior to his arrival. Last month, he signed a permanent three-year deal and frankly speaking, he had earned it and in no case whatsoever should Monk entertain even reasonable bids for the former Torino defender.
Monk & Co. have done a pretty decent job so far and would need the services of Jansson, should they get promoted. Moreover, even in case they fail to get themselves into the Premier League, Leeds United would need the Swedish international to be the cornerstone of their backline. In 24 appearances this season, Jansson has won 26 tackles with a success rate of 46%, made 37 interceptions, 228 clearances and 33 blocks and let’s not forget to mention that he has banged in 3 goals and created 3 chances in his stunning campaign. Come to the summer transfer window, owing to the contributions he has made, it would be foolish on the part of Leeds United to let their rock-solid defender leave.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
