Leeds United’s 3-0 victory over Luton Town at Elland Road was one of their most comfortable of the season.
Daniel Farke‘s side have won eight matches by a margin of more than two goals this season with Luton the latest team to struggle to lay a glove on Leeds.
Illan Meslier did not make a save until after Leeds had gone three goals ahead as the Whites dominated almost 80 per cent of the ball, creating the majority of the chances.
Sam Byram, Joel Piroe and Dan James were all on the scoresheet for Leeds and it is difficult to single out any who played poorly for the home side.
Neil Redfearn hailed Leeds’ four wingers as Premier League quality post-match but there is another part of Farke’s side he also thinks can play at the top.
Leeds duo Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell hailed as ‘elite level’
Two months ago Leeds were left wondering which direction their season would go after losing Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev to long-term injuries in the space of four days.
However, the introduction of both Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell have made Leeds stronger if anything, though that is certainly not to say Ampadu doesn’t walk straight back into the side.
Farke heaped praise on Tanaka in his post-match interview on Wednesday night and Leeds fans were left similarly impressed by Rothwell‘s display.
And after another night where Leeds’ midfield duo were simply incredible, Redfearn told BBC Radio Leeds‘ full-time show that both are of the ‘elite level’.
He said: “Before that it was a little bit hit and miss, whoever took the corners or set-plays. But I think what you’ve got there is a midfield player that’s a good technician. He’s a beautiful striker of the ball, whether that’s spraying passes or putting set plays in.
“He’s got range to what he does, has great feel for the ball and then you can get players in front of goal and in good areas to go and attack it. There’s been a couple of set plays that should have been goals realistically when the ball’s got whipped in.
“I think he’s really excelling and is a good foil for Tanaka, and Tanaka is a good foil for Rothwell. I think their understanding of the game, how to build from the back and through midfield is top draw, it’s elite level, elite level midfield play. I think Daniel realises this.”
What Daniel Farke said about Tanaka after Leeds win
Farke isn’t usually someone who likes praising his players too much in the press, but he couldn’t help himself with Tanaka last night.
He hailed Tanaka as ‘outstanding’ in every possible capacity on the pitch and feels his performances are even more impressive considering the weight of playing for Leeds.
He said: “He is technically so outstanding he has to fix the watches of the referees. Tiger Tanaka can do everything. He is an unbelievable signing so far. Quality with and without the ball is outstanding.
“Not played in a top league yet. Delivers like this in a shirt so heavy is outstanding. Character is relaxed and laid back. He is happy to have his peace and pretends he is not capable of talking.
“He does not realise I am listening to him with his team-mates and he is very funny. Really cool guy. The best judgement is when you see the team-mates and they have so much fun with him and celebrate with him.”
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