(Credit: Imago/ All Out Football)

Jacob Raw

Thu 23 April 2026 7:40, UK

Leeds United‘s Ao Tanaka left Alan Smith confused by his first-half free kick that almost cleared the Vitality Stadium vs Bournemouth.

The Whites travelled to face Cherries this Monday, as they managed to steal a point in a 2-2 draw thanks to Sean Longstaff’s last-minute volley.

Ilia Gruev was absent from Daniel Farke‘s squad due to a meniscus knee injury, which could even keep him out for the rest of the season.

The Leeds boss may have stuck with a midfield pairing of Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu due to this, but the Japanese star didn’t leave Smith impressed.

Tanaka has had good moments for Leeds, though nobody was quite sure what the 27-year-old was trying in the first 45.

Alan Smith baffled by Ao Tanaka free kick

Tanaka has been linked with a Leeds exit in recent weeks, but the midfielder has been given a second lease of life since starring in the Whites’ FA Cup victory over West Ham.

While his performances have split the opinion of some Leeds fans, it’s fair to say most would agree that they want him off set-piece duty from now on.

While commentating live on Sky Sports, Smith couldn’t help but hold back his sheer confusion at Tanaka’s free kick in the 43rd minute, which was wasted from a good position.

Smith said: “Oh dear, I’m not sure what he was trying, because the body shape wasn’t one where he looks like he’s trying to whip it.”

The ball had plenty of whip and pace on it, but it was put in the air and never seemed to stop rising.

As seen in the graphic above, Tanaka still had a decent game, earning a 7.1 FotMob rating.

Should Sean Longstaff be given a chance by Daniel Farke?

Leeds’ defence kept them in the game against the Cherries on multiple occasions, as it was the midfield which failed to stop an abundance of attacks from the hosts.

Karl Darlow was called on a couple of times, but Andoni Iraola’s side hit the front on the hour mark through Junior Kroupi.

Despite Leeds looking like they were 3-1 down at one point, a VAR overturn gave the Whites another chance to push on and score, and that’s what happend.

Longstaff smashed in a great finish and may have put himself in Farke’s thoughts ahead of the FA Cup semi-final this Sunday over Tanaka.