As a collective and as a group of individuals, Leeds United are on fire right now. A 4-0 win over Watford saw The Whites take another big step towards automatic promotion on Tuesday night.
Daniel Farke is gunning for a third Championship title after coming so close to promotion with Leeds United last season. Last term, Leeds relied on individuals to pull them through tight games, but failed.
When those individuals – the likes of Georginio Rutter or Crysencio Summerville – failed to get over the line, Leeds would inevitably fail. It happened in the run-in and then at Wembley, against Southampton.
This season, it feels different. Leeds are closing in on promotion and look good for it, but not because of one or two players, but because of the entire team. Everywhere you look, players are in their best form.
Jon Newsome says Ao Tanaka is ready for the Premier League
Illan Meslier has six clean sheets in a row. Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Ao Tanaka, Dan James and Joel Piroe are all producing arguably the best form of their career right now, as Leeds look to secure promotion.
The plaudits will go to James, Piroe and Manor Solomon on Tuesday night. But Tanaka was just as good in midfield, dictating the entire match. Newsome told BBC Radio Leeds that Tanaka is Premier League-ready.
“He would [glide in the Premier League]. You’d definitely put a tick next to his name. He’s outstanding, his decision making, good footballers always look like they’ve got time. Fabulous footballer,” Newsome said.
Ao Tanaka’s agent comments starting to be proven right
Back in December, Tanaka’s agent Marijo Knez said that the midfielder is of Premier League standard and even hinted that top-tier clubs might be looking at his progress in a Leeds shirt, as he continues to shine.
“With his style, he can be good for a possession-based team. Many observers may soon be asking why he only plays in the second English league. I am firmly convinced that he can make it in the Premier League.”
A couple of months on and Newsome is firmly of the belief that Tanaka is already showing he will be good enough for the Premier League. Hopefully, Leeds get promoted and Tanaka can prove it for Leeds.
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