Leeds United have a number of players away on international duty now, just three games into the Premier League season.
Of course, the Welsh contingent at Leeds United is most well known in that respect, given that there are four players capable of being called-up and three have been already.
However, others such as Gabriel Gudmundsson, Noah Okafor, Jaka Bijol, and Ao Tanaka are all some of the stars of their national teams, with the World Cup in mind next summer.
The latter is one of a promising group of Japanese players going to the USA next summer for the World Cup in 2026. Ethan Ampadu and Tanaka are currently injured but they are huge players for club and country.
Incredible Ao Tanaka development emerges
Bought for a bargain £3.4 million from Fortuna Dusseldorf, Tanaka has not only proved to be excellent value for money — but many would even argue he was the best midfielder in the Championship.
Tanaka has posted emotional social media posts lately, outlining his feelings on moving to the Premier League at last with Leeds following promotion.
Tanaka is a fantastic footballer, as exemplified by Tanaka’s Championship award nomination. He turns 27 this month, but Tanaka has also been in the PFA Team of the Season recently.
It is part of why Tanaka is a player to build the Leeds team around this season. Tanaka enjoyed his holidays with Joel Piroe in Japan but he was outstanding against Everton.
Tanaka’s agent thinks he’s good enough for the Premier League. His quality last season was undeniable and should hopefully translate to this level. However, there is plenty going on in the midfielder’s life currently.
Etotakashi on Twitter/X said: “A press release has been issued announcing that Ao Tanaka has been chosen to appear on the main visual for the Kawasaki mayoral election, which will be held on October 26th.
“Reason for selection: ‘Born in Kawasaki, Tanaka spent his entire life growing up in Kawasaki, and is now a professional soccer player active around the world. For the people of Kawasaki, Tanaka is a friend who has long been a fan favorite, and is a person who is widely supported and respected by people of all generations, which is why we chose him as the main character.’
“The Kawasaki mayoral election will also affect the reconstruction of Todoroki, so please vote.”
It’s a crazy turn of events, but not altogether unsurprising given his rise over the last few years in Germany and England.
- READ MORE: How Leeds United really feel about Adam Underwood and Robbie Evans after deadline day disaster
Jermaine Beckford’s view of Ao Tanaka
Leeds icon Jermaine Beckford picked Tanaka as his Player of the Season. He said: “For me, [Ao Tanaka is] my Player of the Season.
“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.”
There are doubts behind the scenes regarding Tanaka’s physicality in the Premier League, but he oozes class with his composure and speed of thought under pressure.
Tanaka is one of the most press-resistant midfielders and Beckford’s comments are spot on.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
