Ao Tanaka’s Crucial Role in Leeds United’s Midfield
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has revealed that although Ao Tanaka may not be the biggest leader in the team in terms of speaking, he is still a crucial presence in the heart of the midfield.
The Whites secured Tanaka’s services last summer, paying a reported £2.9 million fee to German second-division side Fortuna Dusseldorf. The Japanese international has since become an indispensable part of Farke’s team, repaying the faith shown in him.
Despite not having many goal contributions to his name, Tanaka has played a central role in Leeds’ midfield, according to his manager. Farke emphasized the importance of Tanaka’s performances and leadership, even if he may not be the most vocal player on the team.
Tanaka’s Quiet Leadership and Central Role
“I think overall it’s important he’s playing a central role for us. It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or 34, lots of experience or not much,” Farke said at a press conference. “If your English is perfect and fluent or sometimes you need to use Japanese words, you have to lead and make sure everyone is on the same page.”
“In football, we pretty much have one language. To lead by example on the pitch and good performances, to give a few hints in central roles, this is what I expected.”
“The central roles are always in the heart of our games, to be there with commands. He’s not the biggest leader in terms of speaking and words, but he plays a crucial role and this is what he has to deliver.”
Tanaka’s ability to lead by example and perform consistently in the midfield has been crucial for Leeds. Farke emphasized that Tanaka’s leadership and contributions are essential, regardless of his level of vocal expression.
As Leeds continue their push for automatic promotion, Tanaka’s performances will be crucial in the upcoming matches. Fans and the club’s management will be hoping that the Japanese midfielder can continue to play a central role in the team’s success.
Overall, Ao Tanaka’s quiet leadership and his crucial presence in the heart of Leeds United’s midfield have been instrumental in the team’s progress this season. Farke’s praise for the player’s performances and his impact on the team only underscores the importance of Tanaka’s contributions to the club’s promotion ambitions.
Call to Action: Keep an eye on Ao Tanaka’s performances as Leeds United strive for automatic promotion. His consistent displays and leadership in the midfield will be essential to the team’s success in the upcoming matches.
