Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka has been backed to play in the Premier League by his agent Marijo Knez.
Leeds United swooped to land the midfielder in the summer and he has caught the eye with the Championship promotion hopefuls so far this season.
leeds united, ‘Firmly convinced’ – Leeds United ace backed to play in the Premier League by agent
Image courtesy of: ISSEL KATO/REUTERS.
Tanaka, 26, penned a four-year deal at Elland Road running until June 2028 and he has since made 14 appearances in all competitions so far this season. He has formed a partnership in the middle of the park with Joe Rothwell over recent times.
When asked whether he has been attracting attention, Knez has said, as per Fussball News: “I assume so. With his style, he can be good for a possession-based team. One that wants to play a neat style of football. Many observers may soon be asking why he only plays in the second English league. I am firmly convinced that he can make it in the Premier League.”
Leeds United’s decision to sign Tanaka has worked out well for them.
He provides a calming influence into their squad and has injected quality into their ranks.
leeds united, ‘Firmly convinced’ – Leeds United ace backed to play in the Premier League by agent
Image courtesy of: KIM HONG-JI/REUTERS.
The Japan international, who has made 29 caps for his country to date, started his career at Kawasaki Frontale before moving over to Germany.
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He was signed by Fortuna Dusseldorf on loan before his switch was later made permanent.
Tanaka became a key player for the Bundesliga.2 outfit and played 95 games for them in all competitions, chipping in with 10 goals.
Leeds United took a chance on him in the last window and he has adapted well to life in England.
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Injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev gave him the chance to break into Daniel Farke’s starting XI and he hasn’t looked back since.
What now?
Leeds United were beaten 1-0 away at Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park over the weekend in a frustrating encounter.
Todd Cantwell opened the scoring for Rovers in the first-half and the visitors weren’t able to find an equaliser.
They are back in action this weekend with a home clash against Derby County as they look to return to winning ways before facing Middlesbrough on their own patch next Tuesday.
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Farke’s men are sat in 3rd place in the table behind Sheffield United and Burnley as they look to return to the top flight. They were beaten in the play-off final last term by Southampton at Wembley.