Leeds United v Crystal Palace: Adaptable Gabriel Gudmundsson on formation changes and home comforts

"I've already ordered some Swedish food, it's in the fridge waiting for me to take it out for Christmas – meatballs, of course, some sausages, Swedish traditional food, salmon, fish, meat and everything," says the Leeds United defender, just about managing to avoid salivating all over the desk in front of him.

"My mum is coming here to have a good time and my cousins live outside Derby, so they will also come."

For once, life will adapt to him because in his career, it is usually the other way around. It is something the 26-year-old really enjoys.

Football took him to France, with four years at Lille, now England.

"For me and a lot of Swedish people, we grow up watching the Premier League, so it's normal," he says.

"My father (Niklas) was here playing for Blackburn (who briefly loaned him to Ipswich Town in 1997, two years before Gabriel was born). So it's always been a goal to come here and to be part of Leeds United, it's amazing. We're very happy here."

And English football is maybe not as different as we like to think.

"There are a lot of good players and good leagues, not just the Premier League,” he points out. “The French league is a really good league – very physical, and I think it made me the player I am today.

"To come here directly to compete in the Premier League, I think it says something about the other leagues.

"Physically it's similar but in the Premier League there are probably more quality players on the ball. There is a lot of quality in the best teams. They are competing in the European competitions and they are always at the top (Conference League Palace a case in point)."

One thing that has changed recently is Gudmundsson's role, switching between left-back and left wing-back as Leeds have swapped formation during three of the last four morale-boosting games.

"Playing with three in the back makes you maybe a bit more compact because you have more players around the box," he explains. "And you can have more players up front. It depends a little bit what team you're playing.

"If I look at myself, you have a little bit more freedom going forward because you have no winger in front of you and you're closer to the (opposition) winger, so you can be more aggressive. Again, it's depending on who you're playing.

"Palace is a different game than we had against other top teams so, you have to adapt and hopefully we can get an advantage. (They're a) tough team, very direct, good striker up front (Jean-Philippe Mateta), with a lot of crosses and finishing.

"It's going to be a tough game. We also know it's a great away team, getting a lot of points away from home."

As his manager, Daniel Farke, explains: "For every full-back it's a bit easier if you have three centre-backs to repair if you are not in a perfect position or you make a mistake.

"I think this (change to three centre-backs) was also beneficial after a bit of a difficult spell in terms of conceding too many goals.

"This was one thought behind the change, that we get a bit more rock-solid and go back to allowing fewer chances.

"Gabi can defend really well. He was a bit unlucky to be involved in conceding one or two goals.

"His one-against-one defending is top but for every player who comes from abroad needs a bit of time to adapt to the Premier League, it's the best league in the world.

"To be looking more solid (as a team) on the left flank will give him a confidence boost even if we do go back – and we've done this (during) the last games – to a back four."

Gudmundsson can even play as one of three central defenders.

"That was what I played for the national team for many matches so I'm used to going around a little bit from position (to position)," he says.

"In my past I played winger, wing-back, left-back and central defender in a three. I think that's one of my strengths, to adapt very quickly and take in the information.

"You need to adapt whatever the system or the situation is because we know in this league it's very tough."

At least it does not sound like he will have to get used to another new position any time soon.

"At the moment he is more in the wing-back role and I judge him more in this role," says his manager.

One thing, though, has not changed, says Gudmundsson.

"We gained a lot of important points lately but since we started the season, we’ve had, I'd say, in most games really good performances," he stresses. "I think we could have a few more points.

"We all have confidence, especially at home. I feel very strong there."

An abysmal World Cup qualifying campaign with Sweden bottom of their group was rescued by a Nations League series which granted a second chance via March’s play-offs.

"It could be a fantastic year," says Gudmundsson. "To qualify for the World Cup would be something else. It's a dream, not only for me, but for all the Swedish people.

"And to help Leeds United stay in the Premier League, it could be a great year. I'm confident that we have the quality to do that."

Then he really can crack out the Swedish meatballs.