Leeds United central defence pairing Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley have come in for praise in the Swedish media. The two defenders only joined the Championship side in the summer transfer window, but have hit the ground running.
Fotbollskanalen have reported on Leeds United’s season so far, and how Garry Monk has managed to change things around after a shaky start. Two players who have been fundamental to Leeds United’s change in fortunes have been Jansson and Bartley.
Jansson has become a hero of the Elland Road faithful for his style of play, and the Swedish football outlet believes the Sweden international has adapted very quickly to playing in England. They say some Leeds United fans can know feel positive about a Swede being at the club, following previous failures like Thomas Brolin, and that the 25-year-old brings energy to Monk’s team.
“Pontus Jansson has quickly adopted something of a hero role in Leeds, whose fans hardly have had historical reasons to be positive to Swedish players. But the attitude and the energy Jansson brings to the team gets even pensioners at Elland Road to nod in recognition.”
Jansson’s partner Bartley has also been in impressive form since joining from Swansea City. Unlike Jansson, Bartley hasn’t been grabbing the headlines, but has been going about his business quietly. Fotbollskanalen believe with Bartley in the team Leeds United have become more stable at the back, which could help the club land a play-off spot come May.
“Beside Kyle Bartley Pontus Jansson form a stable centre-back pair. But Leeds have got the entire defence game. And it has paid off. Leeds won five of the six matches before the recently concluded international break and are quickly and merrily on playoff spot.”
Leeds United will have their eyes on at least a play-off place this season, and look well placed to achieve this. The West Yorkshire side currently lie 7th in the league table just one point of the top six.
The club’s profile in Sweden continues to rise because of Jansson, and the cult hero status he’s building about Leeds United fans.
