Over the last two matches, Ao Tanaka has received a long run to show he can play significant minutes for Leeds United this 2024-25 season.
The 26-year-old had not played more than five minutes in his three Championship appearances before last Saturday’s game. That all changed when he entered the contest against Coventry City.
Tanaka played 49 minutes for Leeds after he came off the bench for the injured Ethan Ampadu. The midfielder had 39 touches while completing 30 of 32 passes and recording 94 pass competition percentage.
Moreover, Tanaka won three of his four duels while also having two tackles and two interceptions. On Tuesday night, the Japanese native received his first start against Norwich City playing the full 90 minutes.
In the match, the 26-year-old had 80 touches and completed 59 of 65 passes for 91 percent pass completion. Furthermore, he won five of eight ground duels while having three tackles, one interception, and one clearance.
Pundit gives verdict on the first Leeds start for Ao Tanaka
Former Leeds standout Jon Newsome verdict Tanaka’s first start for the Whites. The match between Leeds and Norwich was tough to start, but Tanaka played a crucial role by maintaining possession and working hard.
Newsome mentioned on BBC Radio Leeds that the Japan star will likely be pleased with his performance.
“I thought Tanaka did okay,” Newsome said (h/t Leeds United.News). “Maybe a little bit backward and sideways too much, but he keeps possession, and that’s his game. You can see where he has come from.
“Kept us ticking over but I’d like him to probe and look forward a little more like Rothwell, but he will be sat in the changing room and be happy with his full debut and there is more to come from him.”
Opta’s Jonny Cooper also pointed out that since the 2013-14 season, only two players—Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon last year—have completed more passes on their full league debut for Leeds than Tanaka did on Tuesday against Norwich, finishing with 59 passes.
Only two players (Ethan Ampadu & Joe Rodon last year) have completed more passes on their full Leeds league debut on record since 2013-14 than Ao Tanaka managed tonight against Norwich (59). #lufc pic.twitter.com/HJ2AFM8UGU
— Jonny Cooper (@JRCooper26) October 1, 2024
Tanaka will likely continue to start in Leeds’ midfield as the Whites still have a tough road ahead. A match on Friday night at Stadium of Light will wrap up three games in just a week.
