Ao Tanaka endured his worst performance since joining Leeds United and the stats prove it, he lost more duels than any other

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It was one to forget for Ao Tanaka on Saturday afternoon in an otherwise dazzling start to his Leeds United spell, as The Whites suffered a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

Just a third Championship loss in 18 games saw Leeds miss the chance to retain top spot. Todd Cantwell scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, with Tanaka guilty of conceding the spot kick.

Tanaka has been immense for Leeds this season. October’s Player of the Month for Leeds, the Japan ace has been on fire since coming into the starting line-up since the injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.

Already, Tanaka has become a fan favourite. Daniel Farke has even nicknamed him ‘Tiger’ Tanaka for his combative style, breaking up opposition play as if he was a midfielder experienced in the Championship.

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke says Leeds United player played with a knock, still lasted 90 minutes

Ao Tanaka endured worst Leeds display and the stats prove it

The 26-year-old obviously conceded the penalty and that proved to be the decisive moment of the match as Leeds failed to equalise, with John Eustace’s side parking the bus and denying Leeds any big chances.

But Tanaka will not only be disappointed with conceding the penalty. Of all the players that took to the pitch for both clubs, Tanaka lost more duels than any – winning just six of the 15 duels he engaged.

Uncharacteristic from the £3.4m signing, who has been praised for his physicality with Ampadu missing. Hopefully, just a blip. Tanaka has enough money in the bank for fans to accept the odd bad display.

All of Ao Tanaka’s stats from Leeds United’s loss to Blackburn

Tanaka is often at the other end of the stats and while he did win six, he is often rarely losing more than three or four duels. Against Swansea, Tanaka won more duels than any other Leeds player in one game.

Ao Tanaka’s stats for Leeds in loss to Blackburn:

• 6.7 FotMob rating, 13 other players were better
• 61 successful passes, 65 attempted (9%)
• 80 touches, six passes into the final third
• 11 defensive actions, three tackles won

Even if Tanaka did struggle, his passing was still exceptional even if it was perhaps slightly less direct than it has been. Still, he made a contribution defensively and the concession of the penalty was controversial.

Given the miles Tanaka has had to clock up given he has been representing Japan during the international breaks, perhaps a third game in six days proved too much. A week’s rest ahead of Derby will help Tanaka.