Ao Tanaka, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Brenden Aaronson were all in World Cup action overnight as Leeds United were represented by three of their four competing players in the space of a few hours.
Tanaka and Gudmundsson did battle in Group F as Sweden and Japan fought for second place behind Crysencio Summerville’s Netherlands. The latter finished top with a 3-1 win over Tunisia this morning.
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It meant a scrap for second place between Tanaka and Gudmundsson. The latter has started all three of Sweden’s group games, and his recent form has attracted the attention of Premier League giants Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Tanaka was an unused sub in Japan’s first game but has started the last two – a 4-0 win over Tunisia, followed by a 1-1 draw against Sweden. It sees Tanaka and Japan finish in second position.
Tanaka earns plaudits despite reports Leeds could sell him
Gudmundsson might leave this summer, but so could Tanaka. According to reports, clubs in Germany are interested in Tanaka, who managed just 14 Premier League starts last season. Tanaka is rated at £8m.
Should Leeds sell Tanaka for £8m, Whites fans will be fuming. Especially, judging by his wonderful display against Gudmundsson’s Sweden. A performance that impressed Chris Sutton and Celtic icon Scott Brown.
While on co-commentary for BBC Sport, former Premier League striker Sutton said: “I’m enjoying watching Tanaka so far. Tenacious. He’s probably been the outstanding player of the match so far.
Then, on 44 minutes, Sutton was left in awe of Tanaka after a moment of genius from the Leeds player: “That pass around the corner: That all comes from Tanaka, that move, absolutely sensational pass.”
During half-time, Brown continued those plaudits: “Tanaka has been unbelievable, I’ve really enjoyed watching him. His energy and his willingness to go and win the ball back – he does that really, really well.”
Leeds cannot sell Tanaka if World Cup display is anything to go by
Leeds are trying to sign Southampton’s Shea Charles this summer, and it creates a problem. Leeds have seen a £20m bid rejected for the Northern Ireland player, a player Stuart Dallas has said is “outstanding”.
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With Leeds already boasting Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Anton Stach, Sean Longstaff and even Brenden Aaronson, the Whites are fully stocked in the middle of the park. One player will have to leave.
In January, Tanaka said he considered an exit due to a lack of starts. That is despite impressing when he did get a chance, scoring against Chelsea and Liverpool. But selling Tanaka would be a grave mistake.
If his performance for Japan, certainly his first 45 minutes this morning, is anything to go by, then Daniel Farke will know it would be a mistake if Leeds do end up cashing in on the former Dusseldorf star.
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