A Midfield Maestro: Ao Tanaka's Playing Style
Ao Tanaka, a central figure in Leeds United's midfield, has brought a unique blend of technical skill and tactical intelligence since joining the club. Known for his calm demeanour on the ball and precise passing, Tanaka often dictates the tempo of the game. His ability to seamlessly transition between defence and attack makes him an invaluable asset in Leeds' system.
At 26, Tanaka's maturity and experience are evident in his playing style. He favours a right-footed approach, allowing him to execute long, accurate passes to switch play effectively. His touches per 90 minutes, averaging nearly 70, highlight his involvement in the heart of the action. This frequency of touches not only showcases his confidence but also his integral role in maintaining possession and creating opportunities.
Tanaka's defensive contributions shouldn't be overlooked either. His positional awareness and ability to read the game ensure that he disrupts opposition play effectively. This defensive prowess, combined with his offensive capabilities, makes him a well-rounded midfielder who contributes significantly on both ends of the pitch.
From Japan to England: Tanaka's Career Trajectory
Tanaka's journey to Leeds United began in Japan with Kawasaki Frontale, where he made his professional debut in 2018. Over the years, he developed into a reliable midfielder, evident from his increasing contributions in terms of goals and assists during his tenure in the J1 League. His standout season came in 2020, where he netted five goals and provided an assist across 31 appearances. Tanaka was part of a dominant Kawasaki side which featured other successful exports to the British game, Kaoru Mitoma and Reo Hatate who found their way to Brighton and Celtic respectively.
In 2021, Tanaka made the leap to European football, joining Düsseldorf in the 2. Bundesliga. This move was pivotal for his development, as it exposed him to a different style of play and greater physical demands. Over three seasons, he consistently featured in the starting lineup, honing his skills against diverse opponents and adapting to the tactical nuances of European football.
His performances in Germany caught the attention of Leeds United, who secured his services in the summer of 2024. Since his arrival, Tanaka has played every league game, helping Leeds maintain their position at the top of the Championship. This seamless transition highlights his adaptability and readiness for the challenges of English football.
A Key Factor in Leeds United's Championship Campaign
Tanaka's role at Leeds is crucial, particularly in a season where the club is eyeing promotion back to the Premier League. His ability win back possession for the side has been instrumental, with 6.06 recoveries made per 90 minutes. Being within the 92nd percentile for Ball Recovery demonstrates that Tanaka fares favourably amongst his Championship peers when it comes to the physical demands of the English second flight. A particular aspect which Tanaka fares exceedingly well in, are aerial duels. Aided by his height and experience, Tanaka has won 61% of his aerial duels which is a comparatively good win rate, placing him in the 85th percentile of Championship Midfielders for this stat.
Leeds' tactical setup allows Tanaka to exploit his strengths, particularly his passing accuracy, which stands at an impressive 90.8%. This accuracy ensures that Leeds can build from the back and maintain possession under pressure, the Japanese scores in the 99th percentile for our Ball Retention metric which takes into account various other statistics. Furthermore, Tanaka ranks in the 82nd percentile for Progressive Passing which underscores his willingness to advance play and provide attacking impetus.
In a team filled with young talent and experienced campaigners, Tanaka's presence offers a balance of composure and energy. His contributions off the ball, including defensive recoveries and pressing, complement his offensive duties, making him a well-rounded player who enhances Leeds' midfield dynamism. As Leeds push for promotion, Tanaka's performances will undoubtedly be pivotal in their quest for success.