Leeds United: Why Daniel Farke will be delighted with Ao Tanaka and Japan latest

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke will be hoping that Ao Tanaka has a productive few weeks with Japan.

The midfielder was called up to represent his national team for their friendly against Uruguay and further matches in October.

Tanaka was an important player for his nation in the World Cup in the summer, but it didn't end well for him on an individual note.

The 28-year-old made a late and costly mistake in Japan's Round of 32 match against Brazil, which led to the losing goal in stoppage time.

The Whites offered the midfielder mental support after he was left heartbroken and was given extra time off before returning to Thorp Arch.

Tanaka is now back with full confidence for Leeds, and he was back playing for Japan on Thursday.

Why Daniel Farke will be delighted with latest Ao Tanaka scenes

Tanaka has emerged as a starter for Leeds this campaign, playing in three of the Whites' five Premier League matches from the off.

He was in and out of Farke's team last term, which led to him having thoughts about leaving in January.

However, he now looks set for even more game time than he received last campaign, as his tremendous Elland Road record continues.

Japan played against Uruguay on Thursday in Rifu, as Tanaka's side came out as 3-1 winners.

The Leeds man was brought on in the 77th minute when Japan were drawing 1-1, helping his side to a victory in the end.

But Farke will most likely be more concerned about the player's fitness, as he managed to get through this first game unscathed.

Tanaka now only has to get through two more matches for Japan before returning to Leeds, and Farke will see this as a positive.

The Whites could not afford for him to get injured.

Why Leeds need to be careful with Tanaka; it's not his fitness

Tanaka would be a big loss for Leeds if he were to get injured, especially after the good start to the season.

The Whites already have several players out with injury issues, and they are already light in central midfield as it is.

Tanaka will want to play as much as he can at Leeds, but has shown twice in the past that he will consider his future if he doesn't get the game time he thinks he deserves.

The Whites did try hard to sign Shea Charles from Southampton in the summer, and perhaps the transfer failure will prove to be crucial in keeping Tanaka for at least one more season.