Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has called on Pontus Jansson to “let himself off the leash” to rediscover his “untouchable” form of his debut Leeds United season.
Jansson has been dropped from the starting XI for Leeds’ last two league matches after admitting on Instagram that his form was “s***”.
But ex-Leeds midfielder Prutton is in no doubt that United need their talisman back in the side and delivering the assertive performances of his impressive debut campaign, which ended with him being named in the Championship team of the season.
“Jansson was borderline player of the year last season and at times made himself look untouchable,” Prutton wrote in the Yorkshire Evening Post. “What he brought to Elland Road was everything Leeds had been missing for ages: a dominant, vocal, assertive centre-back.
“I have to be honest and say I loved his attitude; the attitude that neither he nor Leeds were going to be made to look like pussies. The club seemed to thrive off his energy and his edge and when you look at him now, that’s almost what’s missing.
“It’s Catch 22 because last season people were criticising the fact that his yellow cards were taking him out of the team through suspension. He’s cut out the bookings this season but dropped out of the team anyway.
“I’m not suggesting any footballer can be lawless but you wonder if he needs to let himself off the leash again and let his old persona take hold. Leeds need an on-song Jansson and Friday’s defeat to Sheffield United very much underlined that fact. Knowing him, he’ll prove before long that form is temporary.”
OPINION
Leeds fans who want to see the 2016-17 Jansson might have to accept a return to the regular bookings that marked his memorable debut campaign. Sure, he has been more sensible and risk-free this season, but his form has suffered in recent weeks when the handbrake has been kept on. Prutton’s view makes sense. Jansson must find a happy medium where he can dominate opponents while avoid daft bookings.