Daniel Farke gives Ao Tanaka new nickname after Leeds United win v Watford
Daniel Farke called Ao Tanaka “James Bond” after his performance for Leeds United in the 2-1 victory over Watford.
Elland Road hosted the Hornets in the Championship on 22 October, with the Japan international starting the game in the middle of the park.
Farke couldn’t hide his delight with the midfielder while speaking to the media [Leeds Live, 22 October] and admitted he can keep getting better.
“He was outstanding today,” he said. “Lads are doing some jokes about Tiger Tanaka – a Bond villain.
“No, no he is James Bond. He saved the world today. Steel. Crucial and decisive duels. He was James Bond for us. He can keep going like this.”
Ao Tanaka brilliant signing for Leeds United
Tanaka signed for Leeds on deadline day in the summer transfer window for £3.3million [Yorkshire Evening Post, 30 August] from second-division German outfit Dusseldorf.
At that time, few expected the Japanese to become an integral part of the starting line-up at Elland Road so soon.
However, with injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, the 26-year-old has been called upon by Farke to fill the void, and he has delivered on all fronts.
Along with Joe Rothwell, Tanaka has formed a brilliant partnership in midfield, and the Whites are unbeaten in all five of their fixtures in which the Japan international has started.
Against Watford, the 26-year-old was one of the best players on the pitch, winning 83 per cent of his tackles, making 12 recoveries and coming out on top in nine of his 11 ground duels, as per FotMob.
Farke is lucky to be able to count on the defensive midfielder, and hopefully, he can continue to keep up the fine form throughout the campaign.
In other Leeds United news, Willy Gnonto stunned Sky Sports pundit in a crucial part of the win over Watford
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