Leeds United are starting to have doubts about Ao Tanaka behind the scenes

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For many Leeds United fans and those of a Leeds persuasion, Ao Tanaka has been the club’s best player this season. His adaptation to English football has been nothing short of impeccable.

Bought for a bargain £3.4m, Tanaka has not only proved to be good value for money – but many would even argue he is the best midfielder in the Championship. That is despite the English language barrier.

Not only that, but prior to Tiger Tanaka – as nicknamed by Daniel Farke after James Bond’s You Only Live Twice – joining Leeds, he had only played his club football in Japan and in Germany’s second division.

A move to the Championship there are 46 league games compared to Germany’s 34, was an enormous step up in terms of quality and longevity. Yet, Tanaka has come through with flying colours at Leeds.

• READ MORE: £4.2m midfielder’s agent opens door to possible Leeds move this summer

The doubts starting to arise regarding Ao Tanaka at Leeds United

However, promotion to the Premier League means everything is being assessed. Farke’s future as gaffer is under the microscope at the moment for example, and so is Tanaka’s ability to withstand physicality.

The Japan star is combative, willing to put a foot in and his work ethic is sensational. But, the Japan star is also guilty of being shrugged off the ball for Luton’s recent goal – and then again, against Middlesbrough.

The Athletic’s Beren Cross reports on Thursday that some decision makers inside Elland Road are starting to have doubts over whether Tanaka will be able to cope with the physicality and speed in the top tier.

If Leeds are concerned, they should remember Tanaka’s form

This is a player that has played in the fast-paced, technical German second tier and a Japanese league renowned for it’s stamina. Tanaka has had the perfect grounding ready to compete in the Premier League.

Biased of course, but even Tanaka’s agent has said the midfielder is ready for the Premier League and is confident Tanaka can establish himself facing the cream of the crop. Maybe, 46 games was just too much.

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To go from a league that play just 34 league games to one that has 12 games more, without the play-offs and not including cup runs, Tanaka’s body is not used to it. Now, that reduces to a total of 38 at the top.

If anything, that is going to help Tanaka’s ability to remain fresh, focused, full of energy and recover quick. Leeds should have every faith that Tanaka will be able to shine in the Premier League, based off this term.