What makes Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson a rare breed for Marcelo Bielsa

Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa says he has seen "very few players" with the same ability as centre-back Pontus Jansson over the course of his managerial career.
Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson.Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson.
Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson.

The 27-year-old Swede is set to return to the Argentine's starting line-up this weekend for the trip to Bramall Lane on Saturday lunchtime.

United travel to take on Sheffield United with Jansson having missed the last two fixtures against Bristol City and Reading due to a foot injury picked up against West Brom before the international break.

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Bielsa though, who was speaking ahead of the Yorkshire derby, believes that the defender possesses qualities that he has rarely seen during his career as a head coach.

Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson.Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson.
Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson.

"I have seen very few players with this consistency with his weight and height," Bielsa said.

"I haven’t seen many players that tall and heavy who can have the same response as a full-back. If you are interested in checking what I am saying, in the game against West Bromwich there is a dual with the number 15 [Harvey Barnes], he challenges him, it’s where he got injured, that shows what I am talking about.

Asked if he thought Jansson could play at the top level one day, Bielsa replied: "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."