Daizen Maeda sends message to Ao Tanaka after Leeds United win
Ao Tanaka was the man of the moment for Leeds United again as they sealed a 2-0 win against Millwall on Wednesday night.
The Whites returned to winning ways at Elland Road on 12 March, with Tanaka scoring the second in the 85th minute after a Jake Cooper own goal just three minutes into the game.
The win means Leeds return to the top of the Championship table and are two points clear with Sheffield United having only drawn on Tuesday.
Daizen Maeda sends Tanaka a message
While three points is always the most important thing, a victory against Millwall always feels good at Elland Road and Leeds have not been shy in celebrating that.
Although he only made the move to West Yorkshire in the summer transfer window, Tanaka has become a fan favourite at Leeds.
The 26-year-old has made 34 league appearances throughout the campaign, contributing four goals and two assists.
| Ao Tanaka | |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 2 |
With the Whites returning to the top of the table, their aim for promotion to the Premier League lies in their own hands and Tanaka has urged his side to keep on pushing with a message via Instagram.
However, his Japan teammate and Celtic star Daizen Maeda was not keen on talking football and instead replied with a somewhat bizarre comment that translated to: “Thanks for the donuts.”
Leeds United have to keep hold of Tanaka
With Leeds back at the top of the table with their fate in their own hands for now, Daniel Farke will be eager for his side to gain promotion as champions.
If the Whites do go up this season, the next battle is retaining their position in the Premier League, which is not an easy task, as proved by this season’s promoted sides.
Therefore, Farke will have to keep together the core of the talented squad he has built this season as well as adding some more quality over the summer window.
With that in mind, the boss must feel that Tanaka can continue to perform to the levels he has shown this season in the top flight.
The 26-year-old could well attract attention during the summer transfer window, but Farke will know it is this kind of quality that could make the difference in the top flight.