A shadow of doubt hangs over Ao Tanaka’s place in the Leeds United lineup for their crucial Premier League match against Brighton. Despite a fully fit squad, manager Daniel Farke is considering a shift in midfield, acknowledging the player’s recent struggles to consistently impact games.
Tanaka himself has openly admitted the steep learning curve of adapting to the relentless demands of Premier League football. He’s vocal about his desire to elevate his performance, a self-awareness that has surprisingly impressed his manager.
Farke values humility and self-criticism in his players, and he sees Tanaka’s honesty as a positive sign. He recognizes this is the first time the Japanese international has competed at this level, a significant challenge even for a talented athlete.
The manager recalls Tanaka’s strong pre-season and a particularly bright start against Everton, hinting at the potential that initially captivated the Leeds faithful. However, a subsequent injury disrupted his momentum, throwing a wrench into his adaptation process.
Farke points to a solid, if unspectacular, performance against West Ham as evidence of Tanaka’s resilience. While not a standout display, it demonstrated a contribution to controlling the game, though fatigue became a factor as the match wore on.
The question now is whether Farke will grant Tanaka a temporary reprieve from the pressure, allowing him to regain his form from the sidelines. A start for Anton Stach looms as a potential alternative, offering a different dynamic in midfield.
Leeds United’s season has begun with a frustrating lack of consistency, currently finding themselves 15th in the table with a meager 11 points from nine matches. The club is desperate to avoid a swift return to the Championship.
Farke understands the need for decisive action and a ruthless approach to team selection. He must extract the maximum potential from his squad to secure their Premier League status and build a foundation for future success.
For Tanaka, the focus now shifts to the training ground. He’ll need to demonstrate significant improvement and convince Farke that he deserves a place in the starting eleven, proving his worth in this intensely competitive league.
