How Ao Tanaka got on for Japan as Leeds star plays 90 minutes just days before crucial Sheffield United clash

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Ao Tanaka kicked off Leeds United’s final day of involvement over the October international break with 90 minutes for Japan in their clash with Australia.

Tanaka is one of six Leeds players representing their respective countries today, with Mateo Joseph, Charlie Crew, Wilfried Gnonto, Junior Firpo and Brenden Aaronson set to follow.

Daniel Farke will be keeping everything crossed they all return to Thorp Arch unscathed and it appears as though Tanaka is the first who can be ticked off.

Tanaka was an unused substitute in Japan’s 2-0 win in Saudi Arabia last week but was brought into the starting XI for their fourth World Cup qualifier against Australia due to Wataru Endo’s injury.

With Leeds back in action on Friday night against Sheffield United, it does not give Tanaka much time to fully recovery, but Farke can take solace in the fact he came through without any issues.

How Leeds star Tanaka got on for Japan

Having won their opening three qualifiers against China, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, this is actually the first game Japan have not only dropped points in, but also conceded, as they were held to a 1-1 draw.

However, this was absolutely no fault of Tanaka’s as Japan dominated throughout and should really have come out on top.

With 65 per cent possession, Japan dominated the lion’s share of possession, restricting Australia to one single shot across the entire 90 minutes.

And Tanaka certainly played a key part in that, completing 57 of his 64 attempted passes, three of five long balls and two of three dribbles.

Leeds fans have quickly become custom to Tanaka’s quality on the ball and it would appear he showed that again for his country.

When and where are Leeds’ other five internationals playing today?

As mentioned, Tanaka is the first of six Leeds players in international action today, with members of Farke’s squad in action all across the globe. Here is when and where each match is taking place.