End of An Era:Ao Tanaka announces sudden Resignation from professional foot..see more…
Leeds United have a new terrace hero emerging. After a summer of frustration and goodbyes with popular figures like Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville departing, Leeds supporters needed a new player to attach their affections to. That man is Ao Tanaka.
The Japanese midfielder had been on Leeds’ radar for a year, but even so his arrival was met in the summer transfer window more with relief at getting an extra body in than excitement at what he could add. That’s certainly changed in recent weeks after getting an opportunity to have a run in Daniel Farke’s side.
Now the 26-year-old is making a name for himself in the Championship and has taken his recent impressive form onto the international stage once again. Tanaka was one of the stars of the show as Japan beat China 3-1 in a World Cup qualifier to cement their place at the top of their qualifying group.
The match was played in front of 45,366 in Xiamen, China, but was also beamed to hundreds of millions across Asia, with the continent seeing once again the quality of Tanaka. The Leeds man played the full 90 minutes, with 74 of his 76 pass completed, including six out of six long passes, among his 98 touches of the football in what yet another standout display of form.
It’s the sort of numbers the midfielder has been clocking up for Leeds, who will hope his impressive form continues when the Whites head to Swansea City on Sunday for the resumption of their Championship promotion push.
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