Pontus Jansson is the heartbeat of the Leeds team

Leeds United have unfortunately bid farewell to Samuel Saiz ahead of his loan exit in January, but there are still a number of key players that are the driving force behind a promotion bid.

Defender Pontus Jansson is certainly an elite player at Elland Road and is worth his weight in gold to Marcelo Bielsa’s team.

The 27-year-old is a no-nonsense centre-back that has to be considered one of the Championship’s best and looks capable of performing at the top flight.

According to the Sun in April 2017, Premier League club Southampton were keen on the Leeds powerhouse and were prepared to offer as much as £10.5million for him.

(Photo by David Blunsden/Action Plus via Getty Images)

Leeds supporters will be thrilled that Jansson has remained in Yorkshire and he’s now pivotal to a promotion bid.

Bielsa’s team have won their last five consecutive league fixtures to move to the top of the Championship table and now have a six-point cushion over third-placed West Brom.

Jansson has been a key part of a resilient defence, who have leaked just 18 goals in 22 league matches.

He is a commanding defender that organises the backline brilliantly and his price tag is only going to rise if he can secure promotion this season.