Pontus Jansson played well for Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United against Bristol City this past weekend.
The former Leeds striker was impressed with how Jansson played against 26-year-old City striker Famara Diedhiou during the Whites’ 1-0 win at the Ashton Gate Stadium in the Championship this past Saturday afternoon.
Whelan has suggested that the 28-year-old Sweden international central defender typifies the battling qualities of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds side.
Whelan said on BBC Radio Leeds: “Commitment, pressing, work-rate, enjoying the horrible side of the game is what I call it, you have got to enjoy that. You have got to the enjoy the battle first, you have got to earn the right to play, but it’s everything. It’s about getting into someone else’s head.
“I am going to use Pontus Jansson as an example up against Diedhiou, the battle that happened during 90 minutes, dominating him, bullying him, hitting him with his elbow, muscling him out.
“He thinks he can out-strength him? No, he can’t. So what box can you tick there that’s going to get you the edge on Pontus Jansson? Absolutely none, absolutely bossed for 95 minutes.”
Quality footballer
Jansson is one of the best central defenders in the Championship, and the 28-year-old has been playing well this season.
The former Malmo FF ace works hard in defence, is good on the ball, and makes tackles and interceptions at the right time.
Promotion push
Leeds are second in the Championship table at the moment with 70 points from 36 matches, just two points behind leaders Norwich City.
The West Yorkshire outfit will return to action on Tuesday evening when they take on Reading away from home in the Championship.
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