Daniel Farke admits Leeds United star has been poor recently but he was at his ‘best’ against Milwall

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There are a few Leeds United players who can do very little wrong in the eyes of the Elland Road crowd.

Ao Tanaka, continuing one of the finest debut campaigns West Yorkshire has seen in years, added another chapter to his story; The Japan international penning a self-help handbook of how to become an immediate fans favourite.

A few weeks after his decisive late header at Bramall Lane, Tanaka popped up on the edge of the box and emphatically answered the home crowd’s prayers as he slammed Leeds United into a 2-0 lead over Millwall with 85 minutes on the clock.

A lead which, come full-time, would take them back to the top and two points clear of Sheffield United.

Brenden Aaronson could only dream of such popularity. While everyone at Elland Road loves Tanaka these days, the USA international remains a largely divisive presence.

His connection to the Jesse Marsch regime will – unfairly – always be a black mark against Aaronson’s name in the eyes of some supporters. Yet, the criticism was probably justified as the £25 million signing from Red Bull Salzburg extended his run to just one goal and no assists in 12 Championship matches during the loss at Portsmouth on Sunday.

That run, by the way, now stands at thirteen games.

Daniel Farke hails Brenden Aaronson as Leeds United beat Millwall

Brenden Aaronson was dropped by new USA boss Mauricio Pochettino for this month’s internationals. To make matters worse, the man who could replace him in Yorkshire – Real Salt Lake sensation Diego Luna – was included instead.

Daniel Farke is backing Aaronson to bounce back, however. He predicted a week ago that the American would overcome his ‘weaker spell’.

And this was a step in the right direction. Not perfect, by any means. Aaronson was rated 5/10 by Leeds United News but would have had an assist to his name if not for an offside flag which denied Joel Piroe.

In truth, that sort of sums up how things are going for him right now. Nearly moments, rather than anything particularly substantial to sink your teeth into.

“He is always excellent. He was excellent today [against Millwall]. His best performance in recent weeks,” Farke protests, feeling that this was a major shift forward for a man who’s last goal contribution came in the 7-0 hammering of Cardiff City.

“He should have got an assist today. Not perfect but he has overcome his poorer period.”

Farke praises Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka connection

Aaronson again started ahead of Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell, with their success as a trio speaking for itself.

“With Joe and Ao, we have two ballers on the pitch. Their home record together is outstanding,” Farke adds. “They need to improve that record away from home.

It’s crucial when they play together that the number ten has to run and cover a lot of distance like Aaronson does. They’ve shown [good performances] in this multiple times this season.”

Farke confirmed that Joe Rothwell picked up a slight knee issue late on against Millwall. Fortunately, considering the depth of Leeds’ squad, injuries do not appear to affect the league leaders in the same was as many of their rivals.