Both arrived on loan in the summer and both have slotted in perfectly at Elland Road. But who is better? Jansson or Bartley?
With commitment bordering on the maniacal and a memorable penchant for last gasp blocks, tackles and clearances, its little surprise Pontus Jansson has captured the hearts of Leeds United fans since arriving in the summer.
So much so that comparisons with legendary skipper Lucas Radebe don’t appear at all outlandish. And the brick-nutting Swede’s public declarations of love for a club that has been frequently jilted by fans favourites have only added to the cult hero image.
On the other hand, however, centre-back partner Kyle Bartley has gone about his duties quietly, earning respect and admiration if not the headlines. Like Jansson, the 25-year-old is on loan at Elland Road and, like Jansson, wants to turn a temporary move into a permanent one, per The Guardian.
And there’s good reason for Leeds fans to get excited about the prospect of the Jansson/Bartley axis continuing beyond the current campaign. Only four teams in the entire division have conceded fewer goals than Garry Monk’s Leeds this season, and two of those are in the automatic promotion spots. Sol Bamba and Giuseppe Bellusci they most certainly ain’t.
But, with Jansson lapping up the praise and custom made chants, is there an argument to be made that Bartley is being somewhat overshadowed? Ask many a Leeds fan and they’ll tell you that the Swansea City loanee has performed every bit as well, if not even better, than his limelight-hogging partner this season.
But is there any truth to the hypothesis? Well, according to the statistics, not quite. In terms of tackles, interceptions, clearances, even passes per game, Jansson is well on top. He commits fewer fouls too despite his at-times over-zealous approach.
Perhaps Bartley does deserve more praise, more acknowledgement of his improvement throughout the season. But there’s a reason why Jansson is already verging on legendary status at Elland Road.
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