Those in the Premier League will have watched the juggernaut that is Leeds United during 2024-25, and be wary that their return to the top tier could buck the trend of promoted sides going down.
Alan Shearer seems to think the trend will end soon, as Leeds and Burnley climb back into the Premier League with 100 points. Leeds almost scored 100 goals. Burnley conceded fewer than 20, remarkably.
These two sides have a real chance of stopping a trend which has led many to believe that the gap is widening between the Championship and the Premier League. Something which Leeds can now stop.
Solid recruitment will be key this summer, but in truth – Leeds already have a superb squad, arguably better than Ipswich and Southampton’s this time around. Declan Rice has certainly been impressed.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Declan Rice raves about Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka
Arsenal and England ace Rice is right at the top of his game at the moment, arguably one of the best midfielders in world football. But that has not stopped him from watching the Championship recently.
Speaking to Japanese outlet BS11, the Gunners midfielder and former West Ham captain praised Ao Tanaka especially, describing the Leeds ace as “unbelievable” and admitting joy at Leeds’ promotion.
“There’s a few good players. The guy at Leeds, he’s an unbelievable player. Is it Tanaka? Top player, I’ve watched him play. The Championship gets shown on the tv all the time and Leeds are a massive club.
“It’s good to have them back in the Premier League – but I know he’s been like their Player of the Season. I’ve seen him play, he’s a good player, really energetic and good on the ball,” Rice said about Tanaka.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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Can Ao Tanaka continue his stunning form in the Premier League?
Many are expecting Tanaka to flourish in the Premier League. A technician, not afraid of a tackle but mostly, an intelligent midfielder. Tanaka is one that is easy to imagine remaining first on the team sheet.
Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma is excited to see Tanaka in the Premier League, while Tanaka’s agent thinks he is easily good enough for England’s top tier. But some at Leeds do have concerns over Tanaka’s physicality.
Daniel Farke even criticised Tanaka towards the end of last season for a mistake against Swansea, before he made errors against both Luton and Middlesbrough. But Tanaka can be forgiven for his stunning term.