Leeds 25-year-old chosen in FourFourTwo top 50, names Man United star as idol
By Will Butcher
Pontus Jansson has finished in 20th place in football magazine FourFourTwo’s top 50 Football League players after a sublime first season for Leeds.
Jansson, 25, has starred at the back in his debut season with the Yorkshire giants, after being brought to Elland Road on a season-long loan from Serie A outfit Torino.
The 6ft 5in colossus has since signed a permanent deal with the club, which will see him stay in Yorkshire until the summer of 2020.
Speaking to May 2017’s edition of FourFourTwo, Jansson revealed his idol is Man United ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic and claimed he would “head a brick”, as his song continues to be sung on the Elland Road terraces.
“Have I ever headed a brick? No, I have not, but maybe if someone threw one at me, I would head it back,” Jansson joked.
“Zlatan has been my idol since I was little. I play with a lot of heart and always give 100 per cent. I’m doing well and producing good performances; I’m glad they (Leeds fans) like me.”
Making 32 appearances for Garry Monk’s side in all competitions this term, Jansson has helped his side keep 13 clean sheets as they defy pre-season expectations to sit in a lofty fifth place.
The 12-time Sweden international is now set to start alongside Kyle Bartley at centre-back against Newcastle on Friday night, as Leeds look to consolidate their play-off position.
However, second-placed Newcastle will be buoyed from the reverse fixture that saw the Toon triumph 2-0 at Elland Road.
Three points for Leeds could see them climb above Reading and Huddersfield into third place, and just nine points away from the Magpies with five Championship games still to play.
In other Leeds news, here are three reasons why the Whites should re-sign this Championship defender.
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