It wasn’t the situation in which Ao Tanaka probably wanted to garner more minutes out on the pitch. Nonetheless, one journalist believes that the Japanese midfielder will be critical to Leeds United with their captain out for a while.
Leeds’ summer signing comes from German club Fortuna Düsseldorf, where he played for the past four years. During his time there, he made 95 appearances, scored 10 goals, and provided eight assists. It will be intriguing to see how his playing time increases and if he can make the most of this opportunity.
However, the 26-year-old hadn’t seen more than five minutes of action in his three Championship appearances leading up to Saturday’s game. That changed when the Japanese standout played the entire second half, seizing the chance to show manager Daniel Farke that he deserves more playing time.
Tanaka came off the bench to replace the injured Ethan Ampadu and played 49 minutes for Leeds. During that time, he made 39 touches, successfully completing 30 of his 32 passes for an impressive 94 percent pass completion rate. Additionally, Tanaka won three out of four duels and contributed with two tackles and two interceptions.
Ao Tanaka should replace Ethan Ampadu in Leeds’ midfield
With the Whites now needing to navigate the rest of 2024 without Ampadu, the Yorkshire Post’s Graham Smyth believes manager Daniel Farke can still have a formidable midfield without their captain. Moreover, with the squad dealing with a list of injuries, the club has to hope that key players remain fit.
“No one wanted Tanaka to get his introduction in this way, but he and Gruev should still be a very formidable midfield,” Smyth wrote Monday on X. “An international midfield. Just got to keep them both fit. Wrap them and the CBs in cotton wool.”
No one wanted Tanaka to get his introduction in this way, but he and Gruev should still be a very formidable midfield. An international midfield. Just got to keep them both fit. Wrap them and the CBs in cotton wool. https://t.co/dKpO8QJImG
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) September 30, 2024
Tanaka has an excellent opportunity to earn more playing time, and Saturday’s game could be his chance to prove he’s ready to contribute more. He has the potential to become an essential player in the squad’s push for promotion to the Premier League, and it all starts on Tuesday night in the contest against Norwich City at Carrow Road.
