Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Sun 19 April 2026 10:10, UK

Ao Tanaka’s excellence was on show in the middle of the park once again for Leeds United.

Daniel Farke’s side picked up a big 3-0 win against Wolves on Saturday, all but securing their place in the Premier League for another year.

Goals from James Justin, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin would seal victory on Saturday, with the Whites never too troubled by the basement dwellers.

Tanaka, in particular, has found minutes hard to come by since promotion last May, but has started each of the last three.

With this in mind, talk of a move away has materialised in recent weeks. Though based on recent performances, the Japanese international should be one of the first names on the teamsheet moving forward.

Ao Tanaka delights Elland Road crowd once again

Since Leeds’ ascent from the Championship last May, Tanaka has suffered in terms of game time.

After operating on the periphery for large parts of the campaign, he has fully arrived at the party since the return from the international break – putting in stunning performances against Manchester United and Wolves.

A classy operator in the middle of the park, the 27-year-old coped perfectly alongside skipper Ethan Ampadu, initially up against four Wolves centre-midfielders.

With 63 touches, Tanaka was the beating heart of the Leeds midfield, on a day in which Farke’s side were expected to dominate possession against the division’s bottom side.

Alongside this, he made six defensive contributions, alongside five recoveries – indicative as to just how all-action he is as a player.

Proving versatile in terms of playing in a more dominant system on Saturday, the midfielder simply has to continue as one of the first names on the teamsheet as Leeds aim for further progression in the Premier League.

Ao Tanaka exit surely off the cards after recent form

After finding minutes hard to come by, an exit was always going to be mooted for a player who bossed the Championship last term.

However, Tanaka has worked his way back into the side and has performed sensationally in what is his most consistent run in the side.

With an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea approaching, the Whites have the chance to end the season incredibly strongly alongside their ongoing league campaign.

Anton Stach remains out for the time being, meaning that things could stay as they are in the middle of the park for Farke, which hands Tanaka even more time to continue proving himself in the top flight.

As Leeds look to further settle down in the league following survival, Tanaka absolutely has to be given a chance as one of the first names on the teamsheet at Elland Road.