Leeds United’s Pontus Jansson starred for Sweden at the weekend.
Leeds’ Pontus Jansson celebrates scoring their first goal
Pontus Jansson is a regular in Sweden’s international squad, but mostly he has been consigned to a back-up role in recent months, including at Euro 2016.
This weekend was anticipated to be more of the same, until Benfica ace Victor Lindelof suffered an injury in training 24 hours ahead of the game.
Lindelof is valued at £38 million by his club, with Chelsea and Manchester United interested [The Sun], and Jansson had big shoes to fill.
Sweden’s Victor Lindelof in action
Jansson was chosen to start for Sweden in their World Cup qualifying match at home to Belarus, ahead of Bologna’s Filip Helander.
Jansson proved it to be the right choice as he helped Sweden to a 4-0 victory, ensuring they stay in second in their group behind France, ahead of Bulgaria and Holland and keeping an important clean sheet.
He had made 10 appearances for Sweden prior to this, but Saturday’s game was just his second start in a meaningful match, with others being friendlies. His one previous qualifier he started ended in defeat.
Jansson admitted to Fotboll Skanalen he was a little apprehensive, commenting: “I’m not usually nervous before but it is very special to play for my country.
“I think we did well, keeping a clean sheet and make a solid game overall against a team that still has threatened the Netherlands and France. So we should be satisfied.”
Pontus Jansson of Leeds United celebrates
Getting game time is important for Jansson, who was oddly left out of Leeds United’s last match against Brighton, but hopes to win back his place against Reading in their next match.
Before then Sweden have a friendly game against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, and Lindelof’s injury provides Jansson with another opportunity to start.
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