Credit: Imago

Daniel Farke gets early Ao Tanaka answer for Leeds United vs Aston Villa after events in Tokyo

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18 Nov 2025, 12:40 pm

Daniel Farke would have been watching closely as Ao Tanaka was named as part of Japan's squad for Tuesday's friendly with Bolivia.

Tanaka played an hour for Japan in their 2-0 win over Ghana earlier this international window, with a horror injury to an opposition player the big takeaway from that game.

Leeds fan favourite Tanaka has every right to be frustrated by what he will feel is a lack of starts for his club this season.

But Farke will certainly have no complaints after what panned out during Japan's routine 3-0 win over Bolivia at the Olympic Stadium on Tokyo.

Ao Tanaka an unused substitute for Japan vs Bolivia

Tanaka was named among the substitutes for the friendly against the South American side and did not see any action.

That will be hugely welcome news to Farke, with Tanaka now set to fly back to England with a bit of time to spare ahead of Leeds' clash with Aston Villa at Elland Road on Sunday.

Farke would have been sweating on Tanaka's fitness had he played, but it looks as though he will be ready and available to face Villa - should he be selected.

Tanaka hasn't had the same level of influence at Leeds this season compared to last, but many feel he should be starting more often.

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The 27-year-old started the 3-0 loss to Brighton but was then not called upon for the loss to Nottingham Forest the following weekend.

If many Leeds fans had their way, Tanaka would be recalled for the visit of Villa this weekend.

Read more: Leeds have underlying issue with key star

Tanaka could come into Leeds XI vs Aston Villa

Farke will surely make changes to his starting lineup against Villa, with Tanaka now knocking on the door for a starting spot.

One option is to play Tanaka alongside Sean Longstaff in central midfield, with Anton Stach further forward and Daniel James and Noah Okafor out wide.

Credit: Breaking Media

Tanaka was superb for Leeds last season and there is no reason why he cannot take the Premier League by storm if given a run of starts.

The good news for Farke is that Tanaka is very much now fit and available. Fingers crossed the other Leeds players on international duty also return injury-free over the next 24 hours or so.

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Daniel Farke

Ao Tanaka