Glen Kamara’s departure in the summer was a surprise, as Leeds United sold the Finland midfielder to Ligue 1 side Rennes just 12 months after buying him from Scottish giants Rangers.
The 29-year-old played 42 times for Leeds, either alongside Ethan Ampadu or Ilia Gruev and proved to be a key part of Daniel Farke’s push to the play-off final. But he added little in the final third for the Whites.
Indeed, Kamara failed to score a single goal and laid on just four assists during his time at Elland Road. But it was a good year for Kamara, earning him a move to Rennes which saw Leeds double their money.
But the fact of the matter is, Leeds were in no way an attacking threat from central midfield with Kamara in that position. That has changed this season, more so since Joe Rothwell has partnered Ao Tanaka.
Ao Tanaka has already surpassed Glen Kamara in key Leeds stat
Rennes got a player they have wanted for a while, Kamara moved to a top-tier club in one of Europe’s top-five leagues and Leeds doubled their money on a player who is not far from entering his thirties.
Farke has replaced well. Even with Ampadu and Gruev injured, Leeds look better in midfield this season and more of an attacking threat. Japan star Tanaka is sitting in front of the defence behind Rothwell.
Notably, Tanaka has already overtaken Kamara in one key stat. In 37 standard Championship games last season, Kamara managed just five shots and in his 10 games for Leeds, Tanaka has attempted eight.
Leeds have got themselves a bargain in Ao Tanaka at £3.4m
It is incredible business from Leeds. Daniel Farke said he wanted to sign Tanaka 12 months earlier, and to improve upon Kamara for less than half the figure received from Rennes for Kamara is quite remarkable.
Ao Tanaka’s key stats for Leeds United this season:
- 18 successful tackles, 23 attempted
- 10 interceptions, nine blocks
- Eight shots, seven key passes
- 478 successful passes, 522 attempted (92% average)
- Just two unsuccessful touches, only three times dispossessed
Not only that, but Tanaka is the more defensive of the two sitting midfielders. Kamara was seen as the more progressive of the two when alongside Gruev or Ampadu, but still only managed five attempts.
The chances are that while Tanaka is yet to score, he will do by the end of the season. The stats show a big swing in putting more attacking pressure on the midfielders, and Farke allowing a shot from distance.
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