Leeds United' Gabriel Gudmundsson playing for Sweden.
Credit: Imago
Niall Togher
Tue 9 September 2025 8:57, UK
Leeds United star Gabriel Gudmundsson played the full 90 minutes during Sweden’s 2-0 defeat to Kosovo in their World Cup qualifying fixture on Monday.
There were doubts around Gudmundsson’s fitness after he picked up a knock against Newcastle, but these were quickly put to bed by Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson.
The defender played every minute available across Sweden’s two fixtures during the international break, as they only managed a draw and a defeat.
Gudmundsson, in particular, received criticism from the Swedish media following their defeat on Monday.
Gabriel Gudmundsson in Sweden attire
Credit: Imago
Swedish media not happy with Gabriel Gudmundsson
Gudmundsson joined Leeds from Lille earlier in the summer, and the 26-year-old has looked to be a solid addition for the Whites so far.
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However, his performance against Kosovo left a lot to be desired.
Gudmundsson failed to make a single tackle during the game
He lost the only aerial duel he was involved in
Neither of his two crosses during the game was accurate
Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen claimed the Leeds defender was “Not at all as strong as before in the national team, he was outplayed on several occasions.”
Gudmundsson was also said not to have contributed from an offensive standpoint, whilst some of his poor passes led to dangerous counterattacks.
Svenskafans gave Gudmundsson a rating of 1/5, labelling him as “The least weak in the back line, but after losing to Kosovo fairly with 2-0, it is not possible to get higher (rated).”
Sweden Herald labelled the defeat to Kosovo, who are ranked 66 places behind them in the world rankings, a “setback” as Sweden are on one point after a third of their qualifying fixtures have already been played.
Daniel Farke looking down whilst on the touchline.
Credit: Imago
Gabriel Gudmundsson needs to be back at his best for Leeds
Gudmundsson is expected to start against Fulham for Leeds, and the Whites will need him at his best, as this is the start of some critical fixtures for Farke’s side following the international break.
Leeds’ next four games before the next international break:
Fulham (A) – 13 September
Wolves (A) – 20 September
Bournemouth (H) – 27 September
Tottenham (H) – 4 October
Although all of the points Leeds have picked up so far this season have been at Elland Road, they will want to open their account away from home.
Four points from these four fixtures would be a solid return for Leeds, who look to upset the odds and avoid relegation.
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