Leeds United fans have become accustomed to watching Ao Tanaka glide across the pitch and delivering Premier League performances against Championship opposition. Not on Sunday, though.
The Japan star was way below his best at Fratton Park as Leeds suffered only their fourth defeat of the season. Colby Bishop scored, Stuart Dallas saying Joe Rodon and Illan Meslier were both partly to blame.
But in truth, no Leeds player could come off the pitch and claim they had a good game. Even the likes of Tanaka, who has been truly incredible since joining – arguably, Daniel Farke’s best signing since joining.
Tanaka was uncharacteristically poor with his passing, losing a few duels and failing to control the middle of the park like he so often does. Farke was asked about Tanaka, a player Farke has nicknamed “Tiger”.
Daniel Farke admits Ao Tanaka struggled against Portsmouth
The Leeds manager admitted it was “not his day” in Monday’s press conference with Millwall arriving at Elland Road ahead of Wednesday night’s clash. But he said it is not a problem, if Tanaka is below par.
Farke reminded all that the £3.4m arrival has been “outstanding” in what is his first season in English football. Not just any season, but one where there is 46 games – something Tanaka has not been used to.
“I was a bit disappointed we were not effective in both boxes. When you have a player like Tanaka, after the injury to Ethan Ampadu, his first season in English football. 46 games. He has been outstanding for us.
“He wanted to be outstanding, but he had a few losses of the ball. But there is no problem. If it is not his day, we can sub him and bring him off after 60. It’s important not to criticise when it is not their best day.”
Ao Tanaka will start on Wednesday night, but who partners him?
Leeds really struggled in the middle of the park against Portsmouth. With Ilia Gruev struggling to get a grip with Portsmouth and Tanaka below his best, Leeds were overrun and Brenden Aaronson didn’t help.
Aaronson managed just 20 touches and lost all seven of his duels. So, changes need to be made in the heart of the Leeds side when Millwall come to town and Joe Rothwell has got to be given another start.
With Ethan Ampadu injured, there is no doubt that Tanaka continues in the starting line-up. But it might be that Farke has to remove Gruev and possibly Aaronson from the XI, and bring in two others to start.
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