Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.
Leeds United secured an important win over fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest as Ilia Gruev had a solid outing in the midfield.
When Leeds secured Ao Tanaka for a reported £2.9m in the summer of 2024, it appeared a shrewd piece of business. The Japanese international’s energy and versatility saw him quickly become an important addition in Daniel Farke’s midfield, even earning ‘undroppable’ mentions by last November.
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Fast forward to the current season, Tanaka has dropped down the pecking order and finds himself a forgotten figure watching from the stands as others seize their chance.
Ao Tanaka was an unused substitute against Nottingham Forest
Whilst more supporters frequently clamour for the 27-year-old to start week in, week out, this has not been the case since United have been in the Premier League, with Tanaka starting just seven games so far this season.
In the appearances Tanaka has made this season, he has been poor at times, giving the ball away carelessly, ruining the team’s shape by pressing too high and failing to close down players quickly enough, like in his last cameo appearance against Everton.
At this moment in time, Farke evidently does not trust Tanaka, and with the likes of Sean Longstaff being subbed on ahead of him against Forest, there is a real argument that the German manager sees Tanaka as his fifth-choice midfielder.
If this continues, it could be a real possibility that just a season after becoming a fan favourite in West Yorkshire, Tanaka could be set to leave the club altogether.
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Data suggests Ilia Gruev was exceptional against Forest
The revelation of Ilia Gruev this season has been the major factor in Tanaka’s current lack of playtime. Once a rotational option, the Bulgarian has cemented himself as the indispensable given his current form.
Gruev’s performance in the crucial 3-1 win over fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest was a masterclass in control and creativity. In that match alone, Gruev provided two assists, created two big chances, and completed a staggering 44 of 45 passes, with a perfect 23/23 completion rate in the opposition half, ultimately justifying Farke’s selection decision (Sofascore).
This level of control is why Farke’s selection of Gruev over Tanaka is currently justified. When a player in your position delivers such flawless performances and direct goal involvement in a high-pressure game, reclaiming that starting spot becomes a monumental task.
Unless form dips or injuries strike, Tanaka risks becoming a permanent spectator, a £2.9m talent whose initial promise has been eclipsed by the cold, hard reality of superior performance.
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