Why Daniel Farke will be on cloud nine after latest Ao Tanaka scenes with Japan

Leeds United star Ao Tanaka made an impact in Japan's 2-1 win over Venezuela.

The 28-year-old has started Leeds' last three games in the Premier League, after coming on at half-time in the 1-1 draw with Brentford.

He was forced to settle for an appearances off the substitutes bench for his latest international cap.

However, the Elland Road star helped his country to fightback after Kevin Kelsy put the South American side into the lead.

Two goals from Ayase Ueda ended up being the difference, but Tanaka played his role in the comeback victory.

His showing only further justifies Daniel Farke's calls to integrate him in the starting line-up recently.

How did Ao Tanaka perform in latest Japan appearance?

Tanaka had a fine performance in the clash at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima on Monday.

According to FotMob data, The LS11 star completed 100 per cent of his 24 passing attempts after he came on.

The Whites ace also made three recoveries and committed three fouls as his national team came back to secure the win.

Japanese outlet Sports Bull summed the game up, saying: “Manager Hajime Moriyasu brought on goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, midfielders Ao Tanaka, Takefusa Kubo, and Junya Ito, and forward Ayase Ueda at the start of the second half.

"With the four young players making their national team debuts, the first half ended scoreless, but the inclusion of key members of Moriyasu’s Japan team who participated in the CONCACAF World Cup further enlivened the game.”

The fact that Tanaka was among the group who had such a positive impact will leave Farke on cloud nine.

What does it mean for Farke and Leeds?

Tanaka's impressive showing on the international stage should only be positive for the Peacocks.

The fact that he has only appeared for 13-minute and 45-minute cameos so far in the break is also good for Farke's side.

It means that he should be fit and ready to go when the Premier League returns to action.

They need the Japanese ace and his teammates to be on top form, as Premier League title contenders Arsenal are the next opposition up on 10 October.

Farke needs Tanaka to be as accurate with the ball as he was for his nation on this occasion, but that will not be an easy task

Mikel Arteta's side are arguably the best team in the division, and it will take an almost perfect effort from the Yorkshire outfit to stop them.

Given Tanaka's latest showing, he has proven that he can be exactly what the Whites need in that contest, and that is encouraging for Farke.