Leeds United’s Pontus Jansson has impressed under Marcelo Bielsa.
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has hailed Pontus Jansson to Leeds Live – but admitted that the fact that he isn’t playing in the Premier League makes him think his opinion is wrong.
The Whites have claimed two home wins in a row over the last week, beating Bristol City 2-0 and Reading 1-0 as they continue their push for promotion.
This weekend, Leeds take on Sheffield United in a huge Yorkshire derby, with both teams in the top six and chasing a Premier League spot next season.
Leeds will be hoping to have a huge boost ahead of the game, with Swedish defender Jansson on his way back to full fitness having missed the last two games.
Aapo Halme and Kalvin Phillips filled in for Jansson, but Leeds should be desperate for Jansson – their best natural centre back – to return ahead of a tricky trip to Bramall Lane.
Ahead of the game, Bielsa has commented on Jansson’s quality, noting that he has rare quality and consistency at centre back or even in wide areas.
Bielsa added that Jansson playing in the Championship makes him think he may be wrong about Jansson’s quality, feeling that there must be a reason he isn’t in the Premier League – but did add that Leeds are a team at the highest level too, even if just below the Premier League.
“I can talk about his skills,” said Bielsa. “I have seen very few players with this consistency with his weight and height. I haven’t seen many players that tall and heavy who can have the same response as a full-back.”
“The only thing which makes me doubt my conclusions is the fact he isn’t playing at the top level. That makes me think maybe my conclusions about him are wrong. When we talk about the highest level we could say Leeds is also a team at the highest level. It’s always convenient to take care of these small details,” he added.
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