The Whites moved themselves into the top-half of the Championship with a narrow win.
Rajiv van La Parra of Huddersfield Town in action with Pontus Jansson of Leeds United
Pontus Jansson once again enhanced his reputation amongst Leeds United supporters after another excellent display inspired Garry Monk’s men to a narrow win over Barnsley at Elland Road.
The on-loan defender had supporters sweating going into the game, having been taken off at half-time during the Whites’ midweek defeat to Bristol City.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
But not only was the 25-year-old fit and back in the team from the start, he was also back at his best to help the side claim a 2-1 win that has moved the Peacocks into the top-half of the Championship going into the international break.
| Outfielder Block | Won Tackle | Total Clearance | Duel Won | Accurate Pass | Touches | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pontus Jansson | 2 | 3 | 10 | 14 | 36 | 74 | 90 |
The statistics highlight how important the Sweden international was in the win. His fighting spirit was epitomised by his two blocks and three successful challenges, while he also staggeringly won 14 of the duels he contested.
He was also able to take the pressure off the side when they won the ball off the Tykes. He made 10 clearances, and demonstrated his composure on the ball with 36 accurate passes.
Given the start that the centre-back has made to his career with the Yorkshire club, Monk will be desperately hoping that he comes through the international break unscathed.
Leeds have only lost twice when he has played – and the winning goal in the 1-0 loss to Bristol City only came after he had been taken off – and it seems fair to say that their chances of success this season largely depend on how influential he proves to be in the coming months.
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