Leeds United manager Daniel Farke delivered his verdict on Ao Tanaka after the midfielder returned to the starting line-up in his side’s win over Burnley.
Ao Tanaka impressed for Leeds in the opening game of the Premier League season against Everton. However, an MCL injury has limited his progress since.
With Anton Stach carrying two injuries, Tanaka was drafted back into Leeds’ starting XI in the win over West Ham, before he was withdrawn midway through the second half.
With Leeds at full strength for the game against Brighton, Tanaka faces a battle for his place in the side, as Daniel Farke has to decide whether to draft Stach back into the line-up.
However, the Leeds boss has now praised the Japanese international, stating that there is more to come from Tanaka this season.
Ao Tanaka of Leeds United
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Ao Tanaka backed to come good for Leeds United
Farke is looking to become the first Leeds manager to win at Brighton in the Premier League era, and, speaking in his press conference ahead of the game, he praised Tanaka for his return to the team.
According to Farke, he was more than happy with Tanaka’s performance in his first game back, and he expects him to improve as he finds his rhythm. The Leeds boss said: “Ao was fantastic for us last season.
“Of course, it was the Championship, and it’s the first time in his career that he plays in a top league, and he has a point to prove.
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“But I have to say, he had a fantastic pre-season against really strong opponents. He had a really good start to the season, also in the starting line-up. When I think about the Everton game, for example, he was also involved in a really good game.
Farke continued: “I didn’t expect him to be the man of the match in his first match after injury, back in the starting line-up. But I think he was quite solid and produced a really good performance, and played his part.
“We were able to dominate this game over many periods and also to win this game in the end. He got tired after 60, 70 minutes, and we had to substitute him, which is also quite normal when you’re not in your full rhythm. So I’m quite happy that I have him back.
“I also like that he expects more from himself, but he doesn’t have to be too self-critical. No one is to blame for this injury. But the Everton game is proof that he can play at this level, and I’m pretty sure if he gets into rhythm and plays with more confidence, there’s even more to come.”
Ao Tanaka attends Burnley v Leeds.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Will Anton Stach replace Ao Tanaka v Brighton?
Although Tanaka has received the backing of Farke following the game against West Ham, the Leeds boss has a decision to make ahead of the visit to Brighton.
Brighton lead the Premier League for high turnovers, according to Opta, having won the ball 79 times, 16 of which have ended in a shot and two have led to goals.
Brighton’s Pressing Stats Total PL Rank
High Turnovers won 76 1st
Shot Ending 16 =1st
Goal Ending 2 =1st
Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri has attempted 117 long balls from his total of 156 passes, at a rate of 75%, according to FBRef. As a result, Leeds may elect to stay direct to bypass the Brighton press.
If they do, then it may be more sensible to bring Stach back into the side, with his greater height giving Leeds a better chance of winning aerial duels.