Leeds United fans saw very little of new signing Ao Tanaka who arrived at the club on deadline day and played a couple minutes during Saturday’s game.
Despite his short appearance, Tanaka’s arrival has created a selection dilemma for manager Daniel Farke.
Leeds United’s Strong Start to the Season
This was the second Championship win of the season for Leeds United who head into the international break with a credible eight points from twelve.
Now, the team are comfortably in fourth place in the Championship standings and set well to pursue promotion.
Three of Leeds’ summer recruits, Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, and Manor Solomon, made it into the starting lineup on Saturday.
Solomon, signed on loan from Tottenham, made an instant impact by providing a crucial assist.
Later on in the game, Leeds fans had a glimpse of two additional faces, Ao Tanaka and Largie Ramazani.
His entrance in the 86th minute replacing Ilia Gruev featured a few nice touches and had fans already excited.
Redfearn’s Prediction: Tanaka to Replace Gruev
Tanaka was also praised by former Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn, and he has now suggested that Farke could be ready to begin selecting the Japanese international in place of Ilia Gruev.
Tanaka has an impressive resume, having won the J-League three times and played for Germany’s Fortuna Düsseldorf, and represented Japan 27 times on the international stage, including scoring against Spain in the World Cup.
Speaking on BBC Radio, Leeds former manager Redfearn claimed that Tanaka could be a very influential attacker for Leeds, despite being played at right back against Hull in their 2-0 win.
He said: “I don’t think we will see a great deal of Gruev anymore, I honestly think Tanaka is going to start coming through in all honesty. There’s enough about Ampadu to do the role of two.”
It suggests the dynamics in midfield at Leeds could change next season.
Farke’s Midfield Dilemma
Three clean sheets in their last two are certainly an improvement for Leeds United.
But, it came at a cost as together with Ethan Ampadu playing in the pivot midfield amidst defensive stability.
With Tanaka now in, Farke has a big call to make. Let Gruev offer him the back four protection he is used to, or will Tanaka give them a bit more going forward?
Adding to Farke’s selection headache, Joe Rothwell is also available as a midfield option, and young Charlie Crew is eager to break into the first team.
Farke certainly has a job in which balance is key, but equally offering fresh attacking options to his squad.
Although Redfearn’s point that Leeds need to score more from deep is certainly valid, Farke may also take into account the fact it has ultimately been their defensive success in games out so long which sees them where they are.
Who starts alongside Ampadu in the middle could have a huge bearing on Leeds United’s promotion push this season.
With Leeds United getting ready for their next round of fixtures post-international break, all eyes will be on Daniel Farke’s midfield selection.
Gruev is the safer bet and Tanaka the more adventurous option. It remains to be seen when Leeds fans will find out, with the club hoping for a continuation of its strong beginning.
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