Gabriel Gudmundsson endured a difficult build-up to the World Cup after being hampered by injuries and a serious illness that cast real doubt over whether he would be fit enough to feature.
The Sweden international battled back in time to start his country’s opening match, although he was forced off just after the hour mark with cramp following a huge physical effort.
Sweden reached the last 32 of the competition, with Gudmundsson starting each of their three group games despite concerns about his overall fitness.
He again started as one of the three centre-backs against France on Tuesday night, and despite a 3-0 thrashing, the Swedish defender again earned praise from the Swedish national media.
Gabriel Gudmundsson picked out for praise
A full-back and wing-back by trade, Gudmundsson played a different role in the World Cup and again started as the left-sided centre-back in a defensive three.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice, and Bradley Barcola netted another as France romped past Sweden to reach the last 16 of the World Cup this summer.
However, Gudmundsson was singled out for praise despite the defence conceding three goals against the overwhelming favourites for the World Cup.
He kept Ousmane Dembele, who scored a hat-trick against Norway last week, quiet on his side of the attack and looked composed and assured in defence.
Fotballskanalen awarded Gudmundsson a 3/5 rating, praising his solid display in central defence and highlighting how effectively he kept France’s threat down the right flank under control.
They wrote: “The centre-back was strong defensively.
“Together with [Elliot] Stroud, they handled France’s right wing well.”
Leeds need to hold on to him
While at the World Cup, Gabriel Gudmundsson has been linked with a move to Chelsea, where Xabi Alonso wants to bring in a new left wing-back.
Leeds are not interested in selling him, but the defender didn’t actively rule out the possibility of joining Chelsea in his reaction to the rumours.
The Whites have already sold Pascal Struijk this summer, and losing another key man from their defence would be too much of an overhaul inside the squad.
Chelsea are yet to make an offer, but Leeds must sit down with Gudmundsson and make it clear that they are not going to sell him in the ongoing window.
Gudmundsson will now take a well-earned break following Sweden’s World Cup campaign and is expected to report back for pre-season later than several of his Leeds United teammates.
When he does return, Leeds will be hoping he comes back fully committed to remaining at Elland Road despite the speculation surrounding his future.
We knew he was good before the world cup, no doubt we will sell him to big club Brighton for 25p. as he can defend and attack and is worth millions more than what we payed for him.