Leeds United will be buzzing as Ao Tanaka repeats Elland Road trick for Japan
Ao Tanaka impressed for Japan in their 3-1 win against China on Tuesday ahead of returning to Leeds United.
After being an unused substitute in the Blue Samura’s 4-0 victory over Indonesia on Friday [15 November], he played the full 90 minutes in Xiamen on 19 November.
Starting alongside captain Wataru Endo, the Whites star was one of the standout performers for Japan despite not being involved in any of the goals.
Leeds United will be buzzing as Ao Tanaka repeats Elland Road trick for Japan
Tanaka is by no means a regular start for Japan. This was his fifth start of the calendar year for the national team. However, he made sure he grabbed the chance with both hands, much like he did when Leeds United lost captain Ethan Ampadu to injury in September.
The tenacious midfielder notably attempted six tackles in the game and won five of them – the most by any player [FotMob]. He also registered nine defensive actions, including five recoveries and a headed clearance.
He was almost invincible in duels as he won nine of his 11 ground duels (82 per cent) and both of his attempts in the air.
Only Ko Itakura [104] had more touches than Tanaka [98], who completed 74 of his 76 passes, including seven into the final third, with 92 per cent accuracy. That also included six long balls, all of which found its target [100 per cent accuracy].
Tanaka had to bide his time to get his chance at Leeds United after arriving from Dusseldorf in the summer, but has shown time and time again how reliable he is. Now, he has repeated the trick in Japan colours.
In other Leeds United news, Rio Ferdinand has made a new honest admission about his transfer to Manchester United in 2002.
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