Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka has received great news after his great start to the season.
This summer, Leeds United lost Archie Gray and Glen Kamara in the middle of the park. Georginio Rutter who played in midfield areas behind the striker, also joined Brighton in the Premier League.
Because of this, Daniel Farke called for the club to sign midfielders. Leeds United and Sheffield United were involved in a saga over Gus Hamer in the transfer window.
The Blades refused to sell the midfielder, and thus Leeds had to find alternatives. Daniel Farke eventually signed Ao Tanaka from Germany, and Joe Rothwell on loan from Bournemouth.
During the early months of the campaign, Leeds suffered major injuries in midfield and had to sign Joshua Guilavogui as a free agent. However the club are still flying high, sitting in third place in the Championship.
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Ao Tanaka has been called up to the Japanese national team for upcoming games against China and Indonesia during the international break.
Tanaka has been a sensation in the Championship since he joined from Fortuna Dusseldorf this summer. He has immediately become one of the best players at the club. According to Fbref, the midfielder has the 10th best pass completion rate in the Championship at 90.8%.
Daniel Farke admitted that he was surprised how well Tanaka adjusted to English football:
“You couldn’t expect he’d have such a bright start. Because it was his first step in English football.
“Before, he’s played in the second tier in Germany, but not the Bundesliga. Of course, he has played for the Japanese national team on the top level, but not so much in club football.
“He was impressive in a crucial moment (on Tuesday). Perhaps right now, he has to defend even more than what his natural game is because he’s quite good going forward.
“I’m not surprised, but impressed by this and pretty happy. He is doing an excellent job so far.”
Tanaka’s performances have kept the team ticking even in the absence of Ethan Ampadu, who suffered a long term injury.
Daniel Farke is still looking for more reinforcements in the upcoming January window, but will have to rule out this Premier League midfielder who will not be available.
