Ao Tanaka’s scintillating performance in Japan’s 4-0 rout of Tunisia must have warmed the hearts of the Leeds United fans on Monday morning.
The Leeds midfielder earned praise from the Japanese media after he produced a tenacious performance that Leeds fans have gotten used to when he wears the White shirt.
Even Gabriel Gudmundsson received passing marks for his performance despite Sweden’s 5-1 thrashing at the hands of the Netherlands on Sunday night.
Brenden Aaronson has yet to play for the United States in the tournament. However, it is Noah Okafor who should be worried about not getting minutes for Switzerland in their opening two group games.
Noah Okafor has reasons to be worried about next season at Leeds
The Swiss winger ended the season as one of the most potent attacking threats for Leeds, and played a big role in ensuring the Whites were safe and secure well before the end of the campaign.
He also made it to the Switzerland World Cup squad after sorting out his issues with head coach Murat Yakin and was expected to be a major player in the tournament.
However, Okafar remained unused in Switzerland’s first two group games, and there is little to suggest that he will start against Canada on Wednesday night.
His lack of involvement at the international level may not help his case when Daniel Farke begins selecting his side for the opening weeks of the new season.
Leeds are in the market for a winger or an attacking midfielder who is likely to be a direct threat to Okafor in the team in the 2026/27 campaign.
The Swiss winger needs to find a way to get into the national team and impress in the World Cup ahead of returning to Leeds.
Memory is short in football, and if a new forward arrives at the back of a poor World Cup for Okafor, he could be on the Leeds bench sooner than he expects.
Interest in Harry Wilson is a problem for Noah Okafor
Leeds United are in talks to sign the Fulham winger on a free transfer once his contract expires at the end of this month.
The Cottagers have offered him a new deal to stay in west London, but Leeds, Everton and Aston Villa are pushing to sign him as a free agent this summer.
Leeds have offered him a huge pay rise to move to Elland Road and is banking on the Welsh contingent to convince him to join them in the upcoming window.
Wilson’s arrival would be a direct threat to Okafor’s place in the team as the Welshman can also play as a hybrid striker and in attacking midfield.
A poor World Cup coupled with leeds signing the the Fulham star could spell real danger to Okafor’s place in the team next season.
Ridiculous headline. World Cup disaster! You’d think he had scored several own goals or been sent off. Poor journalism.