EFL publish announcement on Leeds United star Ao Tanaka
Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka has been named in the Championship Team of the Week by the EFL.
The league governing body (7 January) listed the Japanese international as one of their star XI across the English pyramid following their performances in the weekend’s games.
Teammate Joel Piroe was also named in the XI despite Daniel Farke’s side passing up a two-goal lead to take a frustrating 3-3 draw away from Hull City on Saturday (4 January), as the duo scored a goal apiece to set up a 3-1 advantage at the MKM Stadium.
Ao Tanaka has been a revelation in Leeds United midfield
While Tanaka is not always known for his goalscoring – even despite his eight strikes in 29 Japan appearances – his midfield displays since arriving at Leeds United have been sensational.
In the style of a seasoned Premier League player, Tanaka has taken to English football like a duck to water, graceful in the middle of the park but combining that elegance with a required grit that is demonstrated plentifully in the Championship.
With Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev having spent sustained periods on the sidelines this season, Tanaka and fellow summer signing Joe Rothwell have massively softened the blow for Leeds and Farke.
The 26-year-old, who signed from Fortuna Dusseldorf late on in the previous transfer window, had been credited with Premier League interest from clubs such as Everton and West Ham United.
But if his performances continue in the same vein during the second half of the season, there is a fair chance the midfield lynchpin can become a top-flight player through his own tenacious hard work.
In other Leeds news, a potential replacement for the much-maligned Illan Meslier is identified.
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