Leeds United hit gold when they signed Ao Tanaka from Germany last year. When Daniel Farke was desperate for signings before the season started, they took his input on board and added the Japanese international.
Tanaka had a slow start to the campaign, but when he kicked into full gear, he made his spot permanent. The midfielder brought work rate and technical ability on the ball as he helped the Whites lift the league title and earn promotion. At the end of campaign he was named Players’ Player of the Season.
This season, he has not had the best of starts – new signings Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff have taken his place in the team, something the Japanese international hopes will not be a permanent thing:
“Of course, the most important thing is that I’m disappointed that I’m not playing,”
“There are still seven games (gone), and I still have a lot of issues to work on, but I also feel like I can do it. I’ll just do it when I’m on the field.”
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from?
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Ao Tanaka involved as Japan beat Brazil
Ao Tanaka Credit: Imago
Tanaka played in Japan’s friendly draw against Paraguay, starting the game. But on Tuesday against Brazil, he came off the bench. That match was one of the best during this international break, as Tanaka’s side overcame a 2-0 deficit to eventually win the game 3-2. Carlo Ancelotti’s side held the 2-0 lead for just 20 minutes before Japan got to work.
Tanaka came in the game after the third goal from Japan.
Leeds United man had solid cameo
The Leeds man might have been on the pitch for just over 15 minutes, but he had an almost flawless cameo to help his side maintain the lead and eventually win the game. Tanaka had 13 touches but completed eight out of his nine passes, and lost possession just once.
Ao Tanaka vs Brazil Credit: Imago
The midfielder brought some calm to the game that had been back and forth for a majority of the second half. He also won his only tackle of the game and blocked a crucial shot to see out the match. Daniel Farke should take note this performance ahead of this weekend.
