Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Wed 1 April 2026 7:40, UK

Leeds United star Gabriel Gudmundsson has been branded as “the best Swede in the Premier League” after Sweden’s 3-2 win over Poland on Tuesday.

The Elland Road man helped his nation to qualify for the World Cup on 31 March at the Friends Arena in Solna.

Goals from Premier League stars Anthony Elanga and Viktor Gyokeres, and an effort from Braga defender Gustaf Lagerbielke were enough for the Blue and Yellow on a tense evening.

Nicola Zalewski and Karol Swiderski twice got the visitors back into the contest before the Arsenal ace made sure it was their side going to the tournament.

Leeds fans will have been relieved that Gudmundsson made the pitch after injury concerns emerged after his last game on international duty.

What was said about Leeds star Gudmundsson?

Leeds ace Gudmundsson was the best player on the pitch, and the praise was extended by several media outlets in his homeland.

Expressen were glowing in their review of the LS11 star and said: “Rarely makes headlines, despite probably being the best Swede in the Premier League this season.

“Again, a good international and, just like against Ukraine, was heavily involved in the goals going forward. Best Swede tonight.”

Meanwhile, Fotbollskanalen handed him a four out of five rating, saying: “The left-back played well and won some ball. He was also involved in Sweden’s 1-0 goal.”

Why Daniel Farke may not be happy after Gudmundsson exploits

Daniel Farke will have mixed emotions about his star’s display in the second fixture of the international break.

He will be happy that he is not injured, and that he has helped secure a place in the competition in the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer.

However, he will not be too pleased as the 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes after already playing 77 minutes in the playoff win over Ukraine.

Farke needs Gudmundsson to be fit as he can for the upcoming fixtures in the top-flight as the Whites face a real fight to maintain their status in the division.

The Peacocks are four points above the drop zone, with seven matches left to play, and there could still be plenty of twists and turns in the race to survive.

If the starting left-back develops fitness issues following his showings for his country, Farke will be reeling, as the back-up options are nowhere near his quality.

James Justin and Sam Byram cannot replicate the attacking quality that the Swede brings to the Yorkshire outfit, so they cannot afford to lose him in the final few weeks.