Leeds United fans will hope Pontus Jansson is back to 2016-17 best

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Leeds United’s excellent start to the season continued yesterday, with a 3-0 win at Norwich City. The West Yorkshire side were clinical in attack as they dealt out a brilliant performance to go top of the Championship table.

However, they did have to weather something of an early storm. Norwich came out the traps well but found Leeds in good form at the back.

One player, in particular, who impressed was Pontus Jansson. The Swedish defender was solid defensively and impressive with the ball at his feet in a welcome return to form.

In his first season at Leeds, Jansson was something of a phenomenon. He became an instant cult hero with his brash personality and body-on-the-line performances.

Imperious in the air and strong in the tackle, Jansson was linked with a number of big clubs after an incredible 2016-17 season under Garry Monk.

But last season was a struggle. Jansson’s form was nowhere near as good as the previous campaign. The change in manager and the departure of his partner in crime Kyle Bartley after his loan spell ended did not help.

However, Jansson was excellent in his one start at the World Cup this summer and the early signs are good for the rest of this campaign.

If Leeds are to turn their excellent start into a promotion push they need to be solid at the back. An in-form Jansson might be the best centre-back in the Championship. Based on the evidence on show this weekend, the Swede is ready to retake that mantle yet again.