How Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka fared in Japan win over New Zealand

Leeds United star Ao Tanaka's latest international showing will not get much hype.

The 27-year-old has been a key man for Daniel Farke so far this season, playing four times in the Premier League

He jetted off to his homeland for the international break and has featured from the bench twice, with one start against Ecuador on 1 October.

He was part of the Japanese squad as they beat New Zealand 1-0 in the Kirin Cup final on Monday afternoon.

The Whites ace did not start the contest, but he did eventually get onto the pitch in the second-half.

MOT Leeds News takes a look at how he fared in the clash at the MUFG Stadium in Tokyo.

How did Ao Tanaka play in the win over New Zealand?

Tanaka featured for 25 minutes plus stoppage time in the Samurai Blue's victory.

His most notable moment was a shot from range, which was saved by goalkeeper Alex Paulsen.

Gesisaka's match report included a line on that effort, saying: “Ao Tanaka attempted a shot from distance, but it was thwarted by a fine save from the goalkeeper.”

Meanwhile, Soccer King also brought it up, saying: “Ito, who had gotten behind the opposing defender on the right wing, crossed the ball to the center, and Ueda and Nakamura got involved before Ao Tanaka unleashed a powerful shot.”

It would have been nice to see him get a goal, but ultimately Farke will not mind that he never, in fact he will happy with what happened.

Why Daniel Farke and Leeds will be pleased

Farke will be pleased that Tanaka barely featured in the break, as it should keep his fresher for Leeds when they return to action.

The Whites have a tricky game against Arsenal next time out, so they will need their players to be on top form, if they are to get anything against the champions.

The fact that the midfielder played very little may be a personal sadness, but for supporters and his manager, it is positive.

Hopefully, he starts against the Gunners and shows exactly why he has found himself back in the boss' plans this season after a rough campaign last season.

Tanaka has the potential to take his side to another level, if he can show the form that saw pundits and supporters raving about him when he first moved to Elland Road.

His latest showing may have been disappointing, but it will be a relief for Farke and everyone involved with the LS11 outfit.