Ao Tanaka
LEEJapan
Right
Sep 10, 1998
27
5'11"
165 lb
CM
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Box-to-Box
Leeds UnitedOpens scoring in FA Cup
Tanaka scored one goal to go with four tackles in Sunday's 2-2 (2-4) penalty shootout win over West Ham.
Analysis: Tanaka fired Leeds United in front in the 26th minute of Sunday's FA Cup quarterfinal at West Ham, ripping a shot that took a deflection off Axel Disasi and found the back of the net to give the visitors a lead they held until a brutal stoppage-time collapse. He logged 69 minutes before coming off, ending with a goal and four tackles (three won) in a poised midfield performance that helped Leeds dictate the tempo for most of the match.
Unused substitute Tuesday
Tanaka recorded no stats in Tuesday's 1-0 loss versus Sunderland.
Analysis: Tanaka remained an unused substitute in Tuesday's clash against Sunderland, extending his run to six straight Premier League matches without seeing the pitch. The Japanese midfielder played a key role in the club's promotion last season but does not appear to be in coach Daniel Farke's plans at the moment, with Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu and Elia Gruev currently preferred in midfield.
Scores late for draw
Tanaka scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 3-3 draw against Liverpool.
Analysis: Tanaka scored from a corner in second half stoppage time during Saturday's draw. The midfielder didn't get much done from open play, but the goal was still enough for a huge result during Saturday's clash. Tanaka's upside will be limited even with Leeds hitting form in the last week after some brutal matches prior to this nice run of form.
Strikes once against Chelsea
Tanaka scored one goal to go with four shots (one on goal) in Wednesday's 3-1 victory against Chelsea.
Analysis: Tanaka was a key contributor to his team's victory over Chelsea on Wednesday, scoring his first goal of the season with a powerful strike from outside the box in the first half. He could have extended the lead further, taking four shots and setting a season-high for attempts in the game. Since returning from a knee injury, the midfielder has started two straight matches but has only contributed one goal and taken seven shots in 11 appearances this season, indicating limited consistency in decisive moments.
On bench Saturday
Tanaka (knee) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Fulham.
Analysis: Tanaka has recovered enough from his recent knee injury to be named on the bench Saturday after participating in big parts of training during the week. While not ready to start, this marks an encouraging step toward full match fitness. He had been a regular starter for Leeds under coach Daniel Farke and should compete for that role again once fully sharp.
Could be an option Saturday
Tanaka (knee) could be an option for Saturday's clash against Fulham, coach Daniel Farke said in the press conference. "Both since the beginning of this week have reintegrated and joined in major parts of team training. Ethan even more so than Ao, because he was slightly ahead in terms of schedule. We have 48 more hours to take a late decision with them, it's possible we travel with both of them, just take one or neither to Fulham."
Analysis: Tanaka missed the last Premier League game due to a knee injury but is nearing a return after being reintegrated into big parts of training this week. This is positive news for Leeds United since he is an undisputed starter in the midfield under coach Daniel Farke and should find back this role when deemed fit enough to.
Out until international break
Tanaka (knee) is out until the international break due to his MCL injury, according to manager Daniel Farke, per Lee Sobot of the Yorkshire Evening Post. "MCL injury, he will also be out for a few weeks. It's difficult at the moment to say exactly when he can return, but also definitely not before the international break."
Analysis: Tanaka is going to be sidelined for a little bit of time as the club helps him recover from an MCL injury, confirmed to at least miss out until the international break. That said, he will hope to recover over the break, with his next chance of playing against Fulham on Sept. 13. He is a starter, so this will force a change for the time being, with Sean Longstaff likely entering the midfield in his place.
Dealing with MCL
Tanaka was forced off in the second half of Saturday's 5-0 defeat against Arsenal due to problems with his MCL, coach Daniel Farke said in a press conference, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. "After a tackle in the first half, he had problems with his MCL. He kept going and I hope it's not too bad. I hope the assessment is not too bad. There are a few concerns that it would be an injury but it's normally positive that he could play further on. But we will have to assess him and we will see how long it takes to get him fit and back to full fitness."
Analysis: Tanaka was forced off in the 58th minute of Saturday's defeat against the Gunners after dealing with MCL problems. The midfielder had been suffering from it since the first half and carried on, suggesting it might be only a minor issue. Tanaka will be assessed in the coming days to see if he has to miss time or if he will be good to go for upcoming fixtures. If he has to miss time, his absence will force a change in the starting XI, with Sean Longstaff likely seeing increased playing time.
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