Paul Robinson shares his honest thoughts on Leeds United star Ao Tanaka with four-word verdict

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Ao Tanaka has been sensational for Leeds United since coming into the side following the injuries picked up by Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, and now Paul Robinson has had his say.

Leeds have climbed to the top of the Championship table and 26-year-old Tanaka has been absolutely crucial to that. The Japan star has endeared himself to supporters with his passing, tackling and work rate.

Even on Sunday, Tanaka did something no other Leeds player has managed during a 90 minutes this season. Tanaka won 14 duels, the next best being Junior Firpo’s efforts against Sheffield Wednesday, 12.

Gruev and Ampadu started the season as Daniel Farke’s two-man midfield but now, who starts in the middle of the park when all four are fit? Well, you have to argue, that Tanaka has got to remain in the XI.

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Paul Robinson delivers four-word verdict on Ao Tanaka

Bought for £3.4m, Tanaka might actually be Farke’s best signing at Leeds. The German has made many impressive additions since joining Leeds in the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Largie Ramazani.

But given the bargain fee Tanaka was bought for aligned with his importance to the side, Tanaka is the bet bit of business Farke has surely made. He boasts the Championship’s fourth-best FotMob rating, of 7.55.

Leeds icon Paul Robinson took to X to deliver his verdict on the addition of Tanaka from Dusseldorf in the summer, his arrival announced on deadline day. Robinson posted four words: “He’s been some signing.”

Leeds form with Ao Tanaka in starting XI, and without Tanaka

Now, Tanaka has started nine of Leeds’ 16 Championship games having come on as a sub a few times beforehand. But he has taken like a duck to water, not showing any signs of needing time to adapt.

The stats show that despite losing Ampadu as the defensive pivot in the two-man midfield, Leeds have not actually lost any more points than they were picking up with Ampadu fit, when Tanaka is starting.

There is no better compliment than saying that Tanaka is having the same impact on this Leeds side than captain Ampadu. When Ampadu and Gruev are fit, Tanaka surely remains in Farke’s starting XI at Leeds.