Jermaine Beckford picks his Leeds United Player of the Season, claims he ‘flies under the radar’

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With one game left to play, Leeds United can obtain the Championship title and reach 100 points with a win over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday after a stunning 4-0 victory over Bristol City on Monday.

A brace from substitute Largie Ramazani came after Ao Tanaka had given Leeds the lead, before Willy Gnonto netted superbly after an exquisite pass from Joel Piroe. An assist right out of the top drawer.

The win saw Leeds respond perfectly to Burnley’s 5-0 demolition of QPR on Saturday, The Whites going back to the top of the Championship table. Now, the race for the title comes down to Saturday’s games.

Leeds go to Plymouth, who are not mathematically relegated but will need to win and hope for a 14-goal swing in their favour. Meanwhile, Burnley host Millwall who remain in the hunt for the play-off positions.

The Whites simply need to match Burnley’s result due to their superior goal difference going into the final day and if Leeds do win the Championship title, then Ao Tanaka will have had a massive role in that.

• READ MORE: Dan James says if he will be fit for the final game of the season at Plymouth

Jermaine Beckford picks Ao Tanaka as his Player of the Season

Speaking to LUTV’s coverage after Leeds’ win over Bristol City, Leeds legend Jermaine Beckford named the Japan star as his Player of the Season – claiming the bargain summer signing is somewhat underrated.

“For me, [Ao Tanaka is] my player of the season,” Beckford said about Tanaka, who has sparkled for Leeds even though it is his first season in England, having only played in Japan and Germany’s second tier.

“He’s one of those players that flies under the radar and does the things you need him to do. Without any fuss, bells or whistles. I’m super grateful and super thankful to have a player like him at this club.”

Ao Tanaka one of three players named in Team of the Season

The Championship Team of the Season always kicks up a fuss, but Leeds fans have a right to question it. Just three were named in the XI, including Dan James, Tanaka and Jayden Bogle and two Norwich players.

Ross McCormack was stunned that Junior Firpo was omitted for Sheffield United’s Harrison Burrows, who has enjoyed a super season after his move from Peterborough United – but surely, not on Firpo’s level.

Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Joel Piroe and Manor Solomon were also overlooked by The EFL for the Team of the Season to the bemusement of supporters. But Tanaka was never going to be denied his place.