Leeds United signed Pontus Jansson exactly 12 months ago.
Exactly 12 months ago today, Leeds United brought a new hero to the club.
Little was known about Pontus Jansson when he joined Leeds on August 18, 2016 in a season-long loan from Italian side Torino, as reported by BBC Sport.
But fast forward a year and it’s safe to say that the Swedish centre-back has captured hearts and minds among the Whites’ faithful, having joined on a permanent basis this summer.
You will do well to find a Leeds fan who doesn’t adore the 26-year-old, whose no-nonsense displays and passionate interactions with the supporters on and off the field has made him a hugely popular figure at Elland Road.
Alongside Kyle Bartley in central defence last season, Jansson was part of a Leeds side which conceded 47 goals in 46 Championship games – only Newcastle, Brighton and Sheffield Wednesday shipped less than Garry Monk’s side.
The former Malmo star will be determined to help United improve on their seventh-placed finish last time around and, so far, it’s been a decent start.
Leeds, now under Thomas Christiansen, have conceded twice in their first three Championship games in a run of form which has yielded one victory and two draws.
Jansson sat out United’s first two games through suspension, but he told The Yorkshire Evening Post this week that there is more to come from him and that, from a fan’s perspective, is very encouraging indeed.
He will be an even bigger hero if the Yorkshire club reach the Premier League come May and consolidate his status as a rising legend.
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