Leeds United have made a decent start to the season, despite their 3-0 loss to Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday – however, one star has shown he may not be cut out for Daniel Farke’s side in the top-flight.
Leeds performed well last week to take the spoils in a 2-1 win over West Ham United, recording their third win of the Premier League season in the space of just nine games. However, a loss to Brighton means they are still in the relegation zone picture.
Daniel Farke appears to have worked out the crux of his starting XI, and who can perform in the Premier League.
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But Ao Tanaka, despite starts in recent weeks, is yet to prove that he can do it at the highest level on a regular basis.
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Ao Tanaka is not performing as well as he can in the Premier League
Tanaka featured in 43 league games last season, scoring five goals and registering two assists as Daniel Farke’s men went on to win the Championship title in a last-gasp title victory.
Japan international Tanaka signed for Leeds from Fortuna Dusseldorf and evidently became a key figure in their campaign, winning a place in the Team of the Season, as well as winning Leeds’ Players’ Player of the Year.
But this season hasn’t transpired in that way.
Tanaka has only started four games for Leeds in the Premier League, playing a part in their opening day win over Everton before a less positive outing against Arsenal a week later.
It then took Tanaka quite a while to earn his place back in the side, only starting in the win over West Ham, but a poor outing against Brighton saw him hooked after an hour.
As per FBREF, the 27-year-old has only made two progressive carries, which is enough to rank him 297th in the league, whilst 22 progressive passes only has him 133rd of all 449 outfielders to play in the league this season.
"I like if someone is humble and self-critical, but he doesn't have to say this"
Daniel Farke reacts to midfielder Ao Tanaka's frank admission, after he said he hadn't been "good enough" in the Premier League ⚪ pic.twitter.com/76Fni8TNL9
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 30, 2025
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The Japan star was overly self-critical earlier in the campaign after his performance against West Ham, leading to Daniel Farke urging him to not be too hard on himself.
However, strong performances from his competition in Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff means Tanaka may have to continue being patient for his chances.
Ao Tanaka has been praised by some of the Premier League’s best
Ao Tanaka may not have had the start he would’ve wanted in the Premier League, but pundits across the country are still aware of his talents.
Premier League legend Ian Wright spoke about Tanaka upon Leeds’ promotion back in May, naming him as the player to watch from any promoted side.
Speaking on the Kelly and Wright Show, the Arsenal icon hinted that Tanaka would not be at Elland Road for long if he took to the Premier League with ease. Wright said: “Right, talking about kids, perfect, who is the player to watch next season?
“He’s not even a kid, but I’m going to go with Ao Tanaka at Leeds.
“Their number six, if he plays how he’s played this season for Leeds in the Premier League, he won’t be there long. I’m not trying to get him sold, he’s fantastic, he’s one to look out for, Ao Tanaka.”
Tanaka may not have had that same start this time out, but there are still 28 games to go and there may be ample opportunity to earn game time with improved performances.
With Leeds having failed to sign a goalscorer, having good competition up front could spark him into life.