Leeds no longer need to take risk with Pontus Jansson

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Kalvin Phillips was very impressive at centre-back during Leeds United’s win on Tuesday night.

If Leeds fans had been told that Liam Cooper would be the club’s only senior centre-back fit enough to play against Bristol City and Reading, it is unlikely that many would have expected two clean sheets to come from the games.

Admittedly, Leeds needed a moment of brilliance from Bailey Peacock-Farrell to ensure that they beat the Royals, but Marcelo Bielsa’s side continue to respond to setbacks in extremely impressive manner.

Aapo Halme made his debut against the Robins, while Kalvin Phillips slotted in alongside Cooper against Reading. And after a superb performance, it seems fair to say that Phillips has added another string to his ever-expanding bow.

And that should give Leeds some confidence that they do not need to rush Pontus Jansson back if there are any concerns about playing him against Sheffield United on Saturday.

The Blades will ask a lot more questions than their previous opponents, but Phillips’ first appearance at centre-back gives Bielsa some breathing space when it comes to reintroducing Jansson.

Not only did Phillips look quite natural in the role, but Cooper put in a performance of the highest quality alongside him at Elland Road. The captain was composed on the ball, rarely misplaced a pass and made a couple of crucial challenges when Leeds were under a bit of pressure.

It a hallmark of Bielsa teams for a midfielder to be converted into a centre-back. Phillips was not completely unfamiliar with the position given the role that he has thrived in this season, but it is still remarkable how well he adapted in midweek.

And while the Bramall Lane trip promises to be much tougher, Leeds now seem to have the ability to put together an excellent pairing at the heart of their defence when they only have one senior centre-back available.

So if there are question marks over Jansson before Saturday, Bielsa has every reason to believe that he does not need to take a risk that could lead to Leeds’ long-term injury list seeing another name added.