Simon Grayson says ‘fantastic’ player was Leeds United’s best at Elland Road against Watford on Tuesday night

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A sixth Championship win of the season for Leeds United on Tuesday night was enough to take Daniel Farke’s side to joint-top with Sunderland, but Watford made Leeds work for it.

Leeds looked as if they were going to go and win by a clear margin after the first 10 minutes against Tom Cleverley’s Watford. Largie Ramazani’s early effort was straight at Daniel Bachmann, but he fumbled it.

The shot squeezed over the line, to the embarrassment of Bachmann. The Watford goalkeeper was shaky for Leeds’ second too, as Wilfried Gnonto’s cross caused havoc and Brenden Aaronson finished first time.

A third goal of the season for the USA star, and it looked like an easy win for Leeds. However, Watford grew into the game and immediately after the break, Kwadwo Baah got Watford back into the clash.

• READ MORE: Lee Hendrie says Leeds didn’t use £5m star enough on Tuesday night

Simon Grayson says Ao Tanaka was Leeds United’s best player

Pascal Struijk was easily beaten and Joe Rodon’s clearance rebounded straight to Baah, who smashed the ball into the back of the net. An eighth Championship goal conceded by Leeds in their 11th appearance.

But it was Ao Tanaka that earned praise from former Leeds manager Simon Grayson after the full-time whistle. Grayson described Tanaka as a “fantastic” signing and felt he was Leeds’ best player on the night.

“Tanaka was probably the best player for Leeds tonight. He probably tired a little bit in that second half, second half of the second half, but he has been a fantastic signing so far,” Grayson told BBC Radio Leeds.

Ao Tanaka’s stats against Watford, midfielder was everywhere

That is despite playing with the shadow of a yellow card from around 35 minutes. The midfielder was solid, comfortable in possession, typically hard-working but also strong in the tackle in his fourth start.

Ao Tanaka’s stats for Leeds against Watford:

• 77 touches (third highest)
• 1 key pass, two shots
• 1 successful dribble, fouled twice
• 6 tackles (leeds highest, three above Junior Firpo and Joe Rodon)
• 1 interception, 1 clearance, 1 block
• 57 successful passes from 61 attempts

Six tackles, three above Firpo and Rodon who bosted Leeds’ second most is some effort from a player that is still brand new to English football and the physicality of the Championship, in central midfield.

Not only that, but a percentage completion rate of almost 94% in his passing. LeedsUnited.News gave Tanaka a rating of 8.5/10, Leeds’ best and he deserved it. Easily, Leeds’ best player on the night.