Sweden surprised many by qualifying for next year’s World Cup, so could Leeds United now benefit?
The football world was largely stunned to see Sweden book their place in next year’s World Cup at Italy’s expense on Monday night, with a resolute defensive display in Milan helping the Scandinavians to a 1-0 aggregate win that booked their ticket to Russia.
So could Leeds be one of the beneficiaries from the Swedes’ famous victory?
Amongst the squad for the game in San Siro was Whites defender Pontus Jansson. The 26-year-old did not feature in either game but, of course, got to be a part of the incredible celebrations as Sweden ensured that Italy will miss out on the World Cup for the first time since 1958.
Jansson has endured a difficult season with Leeds to date, only showing glimpses of the form that turned him into a cult-hero almost instantaneously last term, so perhaps Sweden’s qualification will be the turning point the 26-year-old needs.
Jansson’s involvement in the national team squad in Russia next year may be in no doubt perhaps, but he still has something to prove ahead of the finals.
The centre-back will want to show Janne Andersson that he deserves to go to the World Cup and deserves to be in contention to actually feature rather than simply be a squad player as he has been during this international break.
At the moment, his form for Thomas Christiansen’s men is arguably doing his cause no favours – but perhaps now they are in next year’s finals, he will have his sights set on a specific goal and that may be the catalyst that sparks a turnaround in his form.
There is no question that if Leeds are to get themselves back in the play-off picture, they will need Jansson to be at his best. And hopefully for the Whites, having a World Cup dream that he will have to work for may boost his chances of turning his recent form around.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
