While Dan James, Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe ran riot at Watford, Tuesday’s 4-0 hammering was another game in which one of Leeds United’s most inspired additions in years again set the tone.
If the ‘Signing of the Season’ award was to become reality this term, there would certainly be no shortage of candidates at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke labelled Jayden Bogle Leeds ‘outstanding’ performer in the early weeks of the New Year. Manor Solomon dazzled and dominated a dizzied Watford backline while adding another goal and another assist to his collection.
Joe Rodon, meanwhile, was at the heart of a Leeds United backline recording a 20th clean sheet in 32 Championship matches in Hertfordshire.
But every time he takes to the pitch in a Leeds shirt, the £3 million fee paid to Fortuna Dusseldorf for the imperious Ao Tanaka looks more and more like the sort of bargain which would drain the colour even from David Dickinson’s face.
Dominic Matteo blown away by Ao Tanaka as Leeds United thrash Watford
While Leeds’ premiere ball-winner – only Bogle averages more tackles per game than the Japan international’s tally of 2.5 – the other, more creative side of Tanaka’s game has come to the fore of late.
Tanaka opened his Leeds account with a long-range rocket at Hull City. His second, in the 3-0 Yorkshire derby thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday, was equally brilliant but entirely different in it’s execution. An impudent flick with his heel.
There was to be no goal at Watford but the role he played in Joel Piroe’s second-half strike only served to enhance Tanaka’s ever-growing popularity.
First to reach a loose ball on the edge of the Watford penalty area, Tanaka took Tom Ince for a spin before picking out Solomon in a crowded penalty area.
Dominic Matteo, the legendary Leeds captain, played with some fine midfielders during those Champions League-bothering days. Maintain his current rate of progress, and perhaps Tanaka will soon be mentioned alongside Lee Bowyer, Olivier Dacourt and co when discussing the club’s finest midfielders of the 21st Century.
“Just unbelievable skill and obviously a great ball in,” Matteo said in response to Tanaka’s ingenious swivel and pass, Piroe then picking up possession from Solomon before dancing around the Watford backline and rolling into the far corner.
“Piroe, when he in there, you’re thinking; ‘Just get the shot away!’ But he doesn’t, he takes another touch and obviously just slots it in.
“But Tanaka, he’s been outstanding since he’s come through the door. He’s been brilliant.”
Daniel Farke wants more from Tanaka at Elland Road
Tanaka is not often the first name on the lips of pundits and rival fans alike when discussing the standout talents at Daniel Farke’s disposal. But ask anyone inside Elland Road, whether that be in the dugout or the terraces, and they will tell you just how indispensable Tanaka has been to that title charge.
“Outstanding. Dan James will get the plaudits [and he] could have had a hat-trick. [But] Ao Tanaka, week in week out, majestic the way he dictates the game,” former Leeds defender John Newsome said as the former Kawasaki Frontale ace ran rings around Tom Cleverley’s Watford.
“He slows it down, quickens it up. We’ve said it all along, what a find. What was he doing playing in the second division of the Bundesliga. How has he fallen through the net to end up there? Beyond belief.
“Surely there are teams where he’s been on their radar. What a footballer.”
Farke, as is his wont, is still pushing for Tanaka to improve further. A scary thought indeed.
“I was always convinced that he could adapt to English football,” Farke says. “He was good today but, yes, I want more goal involvements. But overall he has excellent performances.”
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