Leeds United had four representatives at this year’s FIFA World Cup. All four had played a key part in the Whites’ survival this past season in the Premier League.
Ao Tanaka, Brenden Aaronson, Noah Okafor and Gabriel Gudmundsson were in action this summer.
At this stage of the competition, some of them have been knocked out of the competition with their team. Gabriel Gudmundsson put a great shift in for Sweden, but they were not good enough.
Noah Okafor has lacked playing time with the Swiss team, and spoke out saying he is ready to play.
Brenden Aaronson also surprisingly found himself on the fringes of the US team. He used to be a favourite under Mauricio Pochettino, but lost his place in the buld up to the tournament.
Leeds United star issues statement after World Cup
Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka was helpless as Japan lost in the first knockout round to Brazil.
The Asian side showed a lot of promise in the group stage, but unfortunately, the star power in Carlo Ancelotti’s team was too much. Tanaka himself had a solid tournament.
After his team exited the World Cup, the midfielder posted on Instagram.
In his words, he believes he was not good enough as his team were knocked out in the first knockout round.
“I will face everything head-on.
“In the end, I simply wasn’t good enough.
“I’ll fight my way back.
“I’m sincerely grateful to my teammates and staff, whom I deeply respect, and to everyone who supported me through every moment, no matter what.”
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What happens to Ao Tanaka this summer?
Leeds’ pursuit of midfield targets has dominated the headlines in this current window.
Harry Wilson will join the club as a free agent, with the 49ers set to land a priority target. This week has seen another bid rejected for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
Julian Brandt is another free agent on the Whites’ radar.
This is concerning from the point of view of Tanaka. He was shifted to the bench early last season, and spent the rest of the campaign fighting to win his place back under Daniel Farke.
And now, with two or three new options set to arrive, it complicates things.
The midfielder will have to be at his absolute best in the upcoming campaign, if he does not want to fall down the pecking order.
