Ao Tanaka was the third of Leeds United’s 16 international players to represent their country during the March break, and he helped Japan secure a comfortable win over Bahrain.
A total of 16 players on the books at Leeds have been called-up by their countries this break. Leeds confirmed 15 on their website, but did not mention Rasmus Kristensen in a potential hint over his future.
On Wednesday night, Sam Chambers scored for Scotland’s U19 side in a draw against Sweden while Charlie Crew impressed Wales fans but could not prevent Wales’ U19 side from losing to England.
Tanaka was next on Thursday morning as Japan continued their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. They took on Bahrain having already qualified, and secured a 2-0 win thanks to two second-half goals.
Ao Tanaka plays 45 minutes and helps Japan secure victory
Indeed, Tanaka was left on the bench with Liverpool’s Wataru Endo and Sporting Lisbon ace Hidemasa Morita preferred in a 3-4-2-1 system. A team that also included Ko Itakura, Takefusa Kubo and more.
Japan were left frustrated at half-time, unable to open the door with Kaoru Mitoma having a poor game. Takumi Minamino looked like the Japanese version of Brenden Aaronson, often knocked off the ball.
But Tanaka’s introduction certainly helped Japan turn things around, when fellow substitute Daichi Kamada broke the deadlock after the hour mark. A second goal came through Kubo from a tight angle.
The win sees Japan become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, despite Australia’s 5-1 win over Patrick Kluivert’s Indonesia earlier in the day. Tanaka will be jetting off to USA, Canada and Mexico.
Tanaka outing is good news for Leeds after Junior Firpo report
Tanaka has been guilty of looking a little tired in recent games, Portsmouth away being one. Daniel Farke has reiterated that this is his first season in English football, and needs a season to adapt to the games.
So, Tanaka only playing 45 minutes is certainly better than a full 90 and Farke will be happy that it was a game played at a slow pace with Japan hardly having to break stride. Especially, after news of Junior Firpo.
Indeed, reports from The Dominican Republic say Firpo will not play for his country on Friday in the first of two friendlies against Puerto Rico. It is unclear as to why, but Leeds will certainly be concerned.
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