Leeds United
Daniel Farke and Ao Tanaka (Credit: Imago)
Before the trip to Old Trafford, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke delivered some huge injury news. The Whites were set to face Manchester United without Joe Rodon and Anton Stach.
The two players had been key players this campaign, and their absence was going to be felt in such a tough game. Farke had the decision to make on who replaces Stach in midfield. Both Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff had performed to a high level in the FA Cup run and were the two main contenders.
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Tanaka eventually got the nod on Monday night, and played a huge part in the win. After the game, Jamie Carragher praised the Japanese international for his performance at Old Trafford.
Graham Smyth gives assessment of Leeds United star after Old Trafford display
The midfielder showed what Leeds United have missed this season; his combination of technical ability and work rate was key in the middle of the park. The Whites dominated the midfield, and that was a huge factor in the win. Graham Smyth has said that Ao Tanaka has the chance to prove he can play consistently at this level if he can continue this form till the end of the season.
“If Tanaka’s fit, for me he has to start because of the way he’s played in the last two games and there’s a huge opportunity here for him to finish the season so strongly and maybe it will change things that we saw come out last week with that report that he’s open to a move in the summer, maybe all that goes away if he finishes the season playing in the team and showing that he’s good enough to play at Premier League level consistently.” Smyth said on the Inside Elland Road podcast.
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Ao Tanaka can turn his season around
Ao Tanaka was sidelined near the middle of the season when the team went on a run. It was understandable as the options ahead of him were performing. But instead of sulking on the bench, the Japanese midfielder took his chances in the FA Cup. His showing against West Ham in the quarterfinal must be the reason why Farke gave him the nod to start at Old Trafford. And now that he has made his way back into the lineup, it is up to him to turn his fortunes around. Putting in a few more performances like he did against Manchester United could change his future at the club this summer.