Ao Tanaka to become undroppable at Leeds United in new starting XI
Paul Robinson believes new signing Ao Tanaka will be “difficult to dislodge” from the Leeds United starting XI once Daniel Farke gives him an opportunity.
The Japanese international is understood to have arrived at Elland Road in a deal worth around £2.9million but he has played just eight minutes of Championship football so far [The Athletic].
Brenden Aaronson has also returned to the Leeds squad following his season-long loan with Union Berlin, and his appearances have been greeted with mixed reactions so far.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “There’s definitely going to be a rotation. Tanaka has been brought in for a reason. It’s an area where Leeds were light in heading into the new season. If there is an injury at centre-half, we’ve seen Ethan Ampadu drop back into centre-back. Joe Rothwell has come in, and Tanaka will offer another option.
“He offers something different than Brandon Aaronson. He plays a lot deeper, has more defensive responsibilities, is a very, very good established international player, and has a great engine. He is one of the fittest players I’ve seen.
“There will be games when Aaronson will be deployed higher up the pitch and Tanaka comes in for his defensive capabilities. Once that happens, he’ll be difficult to dislodge. Aaronson lets runners go so his defensive work isn’t as good as others.”
Ao Tanaka to stamp his mark on the Leeds United starting XI?
Fans at Elland Road have yet to see what the 26-year-old midfielder is capable of, but he looks to be quite an exciting addition to the Whites’ squad for the 2024/25 campaign.
As well as being known for his strong defensive capabilities, the 28-capped Japan international scored nine goals in 65 appearances for Fortuna Dusseldorf, showcasing an eye for goal.
With club captain Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev forming the midfield partnership, it will be difficult for Tanaka to get into the starting XI, but when he does, he’s already been tipped to be a star.
In other Leeds United news, Jamie O’Hara has embarrassed himself on social media after namedropping Leeds in a new rant about Tottenham.
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