Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka has been labelled an ‘unbelievable player’ by Arsenal star Declan Rice.
Leeds United enjoyed a brilliant 2024/25 campaign and achieved their ultimate goal of returning to the Premier League. LUFC were out for redemption after last year’s play-off final heartbreak and went on to lift the Championship title.
Of course, such a feat was a serious team effort. Daniel Farke’s side finished on 100 points with several players holding starring roles in the side.
LUFC - Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu lifts the league title
Image courtesy of: MATTHEW CHILDS/REUTERS.
Among the big hits at Elland Road has been Ao Tanaka, who joined from Fortuna Dusseldorf last summer. The Japanese midfielder has become a firm favourite among the Elland Road faithful and was named in the Championship’s team of the season at the end of April.
Tanaka has been hailed by Leeds United fans and pundits alike for his efforts, but he has now drawn the high praise of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.
Speaking in an interview with Japanese TV (as relayed by James Marshment), the £105m England international labelled LUFC favourite Tanaka as an ‘unbelievable’ player. He said:
“The guy at Leeds [Tanaka], he’s an unbelievable player.
“He’s a top player, I’ve seen him play. The Championship gets shown on the TV all the time and Leeds are a massive club, so it’s good to have them back in the Premier League.
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“But I know he’s been like their player of the season. He’s a really good player, really energetic, good on the ball.”
High praise for the Leeds United star
As said before, Tanaka’s efforts and talents have been highlighted on plenty of occasions this season. His performances in the middle of the park for Leeds United have really caught the eye and given the shrewd fee he signed for, he goes down as one of the club’s best additions in recent years.
The 26-year-old has managed the transition to English football brilliantly after time in Japan and Germany and he looks to be in his prime.
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leeds united and sunderland midfielders ao tanaka and jobe bellingham
Image courtesy of: LEE SMITH/REUTERS.
However, as LUFC rise to the Premier League, Tanaka will be hoping he can find another level to help the Yorkshire giants on their step back up to the big time.
A big step up awaits
Promotion to the Premier League takes Tanaka’s career to new heights. He is yet to play top-flight football in Europe, but his performances in the second tiers of England and Germany suggests he should find joy in the top division.
Tanaka will go toe-to-toe with big players like Rice. Despite the Arsenal star’s admiration of his abilities, there will be no love lost when they face off on the pitch.
It seems Rice is more than aware of the task that lays ahead when he faces Tanaka. Other Premier League midfielders will likely be aware that they will meet their match in the form of the Japanese ace too.
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