Pontus Jansson has been shortlisted for Leeds’ Sportsman of the Year award for 2018, with the Leeds United defender competing with some of Leeds’ other sporting heroes for the annual award, reports the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Jansson, who arrived at Leeds from Torino ahead of the 2016/17 Sky Bet Championship campaign, will find himself competing with Stevie Ward (Leeds Rhinos), Josh Warrington (Featherweight boxing champion) and Jonny Bairstow (England and Yorkshire cricket).

Matty Lee (diving), Nile Wilson (gymnastics) and Tom Bishop (race-walking) complete the shortlist for the award, which will be presented at a ceremony in Leeds in early March.

Jansson has become a figurehead at Elland Road during his time with Leeds, initially joining the club on-loan, before making his move permanent ahead of the current season.

Leeds have since moved to extend the 26-year-old’s contract in West Yorkshire, securing Jansson’s service until the summer of 2022.

Jansson was a key part of Leeds’ rise to the brink of the Championship’s play-offs last season, and is once again proving to be a vital cog at Elland Road this year under Thomas Christiansen.

The Swedish international has made 16 league appearances across all competitions, helping Leeds to eighth in the Championship table heading into December.

The Verdict  

It isn’t a surprise to learn that Jansson has been nominated for this award, as he is amongst the most popular figures in Leeds’ sporting family, after a huge impact at Elland Road since his arrival.

Jansson has helped to transform the mindset of those at Leeds United, with it his confidence and willingness to deliver promotion a key reason behind Leeds competing for the top-six.

Whether Jansson wins the award remains to be seen, but the defender deserves huge credit for his nomination alone.

Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!