Exclusive:Leeds United warned of Gabriel Gudmundsson 'poach' threat as Sweden star hailed by Stephen Warnock
Exclusive: Leeds United warned of 'poach' threat by Stephen Warnock as Gabriel Gudmundsson’s reputation grows
Leeds United star Gabriel Gudmundsson is a player rivals may look to lure away from Elland Road, believes ex-Whites defender Stephen Warnock.
A £10m signing from Lille during the last summer transfer window, Gudmundsson has taken to life in the Premier League like a duck to water.
His transition from left-back to left wing-back has been seamless and the 27-year-old has already secured his place in Sweden’s World Cup squad.
Leeds United warned of Gabriel Gudmundsson ‘poach’ threat
Warnock, a former left-back himself who made 67 appearances for Leeds between 2013 and 2015, believes Gudmundsson could attract attention.
He told The Yorkshire Post: “It's difficult to place him [among the best left-backs] in the Premier League because he’s a wing-back. I think he's suited to that role more so than anything, but I do think there will be clubs looking at him in the Premier League thinking ‘yeah’. He'd certainly be one that teams would look to poach.
“I really like him. I think the interesting thing is that he was brought in as a left-back but he's predominantly played left-wing back because of the change of system, and I think that suited him because I think he's more of an attack-minded player, an attack-minded full-back.”
Praise for Leeds United’s left wing-back
The modern game demands more than just defensive nous from full-backs, who are often expected to pose an attacking threat when their team is in the ascendency.
Gudmundsson has been a thorn in the side of an array of right-backs this term, but is not the type to shirk his defensive responsibilties.
Warnock said: “I think predominantly, now, what we're seeing is more attack-minded full-backs, ones who don't really like defending.
“He can actually defend - he's good at the back post, he's good in one-v-one situations, but I think his biggest threat is his runs going forward and his delivery into the box.”
Gabriel Gudmundsson’s move to Leeds United
Gudmundsson may well attract interest in the future but he certainly appears to be enjoying life in West Yorkshire.
In March, Gudmundsson discussed his move to Elland Road during an appearance on Swedish podcast Lundh.
He said: “I've always believed in this opportunity and that's probably why I chose Leeds too. They were very keen to get me in and I felt that there was a good opportunity to get a lot of playing time. In the beginning, of course, it's always a competitive situation.
“But precisely because they were so keen to get me in, it felt like there was a good opportunity to get a lot of playing time in the beginning and then it's flowed very well. Then it's always like that, I think the more you play, the better you get.”