Leeds United caught a few by surprise with their performance on Monday night. A 1-0 win over Everton at Elland Road heralded their return to top-flight football in style, and there are a few players in the team who are garnering admirers at the very top of the game.
Heading into the season, Leeds knew the challenges that awaited. All three promoted clubs from last year were relegated straight back to the Championship, and many predict Leeds could face a similar fate as early contenders for the drop in 2025/26.
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Leeds have strengthened their squad, but Daniel Farke has put his faith in several players who were instrumental in getting them back to the Premier League, and has decided against making wholesale changes to the team.
Some of those players shone against Everton on Monday night and are ready to prove that they can make the step up and continue to be key stars for Leeds in the Premier League as well, despite some trying to play down the significance of the result.
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Declan Rice cannot stop gushing about Leeds United star Ao Tanaka
While Lukas Nmecha secured the three points with his goal against Everton, Ao Tanaka earned all the praise for an accomplished midfield performance in his first appearance in the Premier League.
The Japanese midfielder was adjudicated the man of the match for his performances, and he is earning fans amongst his peers at top Premier League clubs.
Arsenal star Declan Rice admitted that Tanaka is an unbelievable midfield player, and he has been impressed with his performances since watching him in the Championship last season.
He admires the energy and the quality in possession that the Leeds star brings to the midfield, and is a firm admirer of his talent.
“The guy at Leeds is an unbelievable player, it’s Tanaka”, Rice said.
“He is a top player, and I have seen him play. The Championship gets shown on TV all the time, and Leeds are a massive club, so it’s good to have them back in the Premier League.
“He has been like their player of the season, and when I watch him play, he is a really good player, energetic and good on the ball.”
Tanaka v Rice will be interesting to watch
While Leeds looked good for their win on Monday night, they came up against a poor Everton side that are trying to identify their best combination.
A visit to Arsenal this weekend will be a stiffer test for Leeds, and they are not favourites to get anything from their trip to north London in the coming days.
However, all eyes will be on Tanaka and whether he can step up and perform against a top midfield, which will contain Rice at the Emirates Stadium.
The two will be pitted against each other, and the Leeds star will come under pressure in a much more physical midfield battle against Arsenal.
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