I was somewhat surprised to see Ao Tanaka’s name in the starting XI on Saturday, but there is a reason Daniel Farke is manager of Leeds United and I am not.
The Japan international was arguably the best player on the pitch, assisting Jayden Bogle’s goal in the first half while producing a finish himself in the second, only for it to be ruled out for offside.
The midfield three of Tanaka, Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu worked well. All three are physical in their own right, with Stach and Ampadu breaking up play, while Tanaka’s tenacity and endurance gave Leeds an extra offensive outlet.
The 27-year-old is popular with the Leeds fans. The number of supporters in the Amex away end wearing shirts bearing his name proves that, but he is yet to establish himself as a regular starter since their return to the Premier League.
If he continues to perform as he did on Saturday, he will be impossible for Farke to drop.