Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka returned to the starting eleven in his side’s 2-1 win over West Ham at Elland Road on Friday night. It was his first start in the league since suffering a knee injury before the September international break.
Tanaka was the Championship’s best midfielder last season, and he has been, pound for pound, one of the best signings Leeds have made in their recent history.
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He started the Premier League season in the starting eleven, but Sean Longstaff usurped his position once he was sidelined due to a knee injury, and since then, he has been waiting to get back into the team.
Daniel Farke played him in place of Anton Stach, and he was at the heart of everything Leeds were doing well when they were on the front foot against the Hammers in the first half on Friday night.
‘I am not good enough at the moment’ – Ao Tanaka
Tanaka faded in the second half when Leeds sat back and decided to soak up the pressure as they sought to protect the lead against West Ham.
Ilia Gruev replaced him, but the Japanese made enough of an impression for Farke to have a selection headache ahead of the Brighton game next weekend.
However, Tanaka conceded that he needs to improve his game and believes currently he is not playing well enough after just getting back into the team.
The midfielder insisted that he is enjoying the fact that he now needs to find better solutions to play against top Premier League opponents.
“I played for the first time after I got an injury”, Tanaka told BBC Radio Leeds.
“I enjoyed the time, but I have to improve a lot. This feeling is important. I enjoy playing football, and I can find what I need to improve. This is important, and I have to improve for the next game.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world, and every game is such a difficult game. The opponents are so good.
“But this is what I want. I’m not good enough at the moment, but I enjoy this time to find what I need to do as a football player, so I will try everything.”
Farke will have a selection headache
Stach was one of Leeds’ marquee signings, and his physicality was important at the start of the season as Farke was desperate not to see his team getting bullied.
However, the German’s form has suffered due to a rib injury, and the midfielder was not playing at 100 percent before he was taken out of the team.
It is unclear whether he will be fit to feature against Brighton, but Tanaka has made a strong case to get one more chance at the Amex Stadium next weekend.
The Japanese is the more progressive passer of the two, and can build up attackers better from midfield compared to Stach.
However, the Japanese adds physicality and a presence in the midfield, which Leeds may need against a Brighton side who play on the front foot.
The Leeds boss will have a major decision to make this week ahead of taking his team to Brighton next weekend.
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