Leeds United returned from the international break on Friday night with a crucial 2-0 win over Sheffield United at Elland Road, claiming an important victory against a promotion rival masterminded by an impressive performance from Ao Tanaka.
After a scoreless first half, Leeds stepped up in the second half. Pascal Struijk opened the scoring in the 69th minute, with Mateo Joseph adding a second in the 90th minute to secure all three points.
Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell were likely Leeds United’s standout performers in their win against Sheffield United. After the impressive result, Leigh Bromby weighed in this past weekend regarding what he saw from the two midfielders.
“Tanaka is obviously the tidy one, the one that drops into the defenders,” Bromby said of the two midfielder’s performances. “And Rothwell has got to make things happen. Yeah, they have both been very good at what they have done tonight.”
Ao Tanaka earns praise for play against Sheffield United
The Japan star played exceptionally well, supporting forward-running Joe Rothwell, and Tony Dorigo praised Tanaka during the LUTV coverage.
“Excellent play,” Dorigo said (h/t LeedsUnited.News). “Ao Tanaka has got that physical side in him. He can certainly do that, can pass too. One of the calmest players on the ball you’ll ever see.”
Jonny Cooper from Opta pointed out an impressive stat showcasing Tanaka’s smooth adjustment at Leeds. In his first three starts for Leeds United, Tanaka has made 175 passes, the highest total by a Leeds player in their opening three league matches since the 2013-14 season, according to Opta.
Manager Daniel Farke noted that Tanaka and Rothwell have had to adapt their playing style due to the injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, and he expressed his satisfaction with how well they’ve handled that challenge.
“Their best performance in this combination,” Farke said at his press conference. “We need this against a good side. No, forget Rothwell has hardly played 90 minutes for two years. A more attacking minded player.
“Tanaka the same. They have to be more disciplined. Had to adapt the system and be more dominant with the ball an careful with our passes because we don’t have the same protection in front of defence.
“We worked a lot with them individually. Improved from game to game. Ampadu and Gruev will be welcomed back because relying on tonight’s two would be too much for 46 games.”
