Ao Tanaka will have been in dreamland on Wednesday night after slamming in his first Premier League goal during Leeds United’s incredible 3-1 win over Chelsea.
The midfielder has often spoken of his dream of playing in the Premier League. Such was his emotion in games towards the end of last season, even spotted shedding tears after a win over Middlesbrough.
What a win! Who was your Man of the Match? 🔥
Tanaka has endured an up-and-down season so far, shining in the opening game against Everton, but then picking up an injury. He’s been rotated since, before coming into the side against Manchester City.
An impressive performance saw him retain his spot in the side on Wednesday night, with Sean Longstaff due to miss the next six matches. He scored Leeds’ second goal with a stunning effort from 20 yards.
Stuart Dallas thinks Ao Tanaka is being too harsh on himself
A few weeks ago, while on international duty, Tanaka said he doesn’t think he’s been good enough in the Premier League so far. Tanaka admitted he was finding the step up difficult to get his head around.
“When I watch the opposing teams and players, I feel like I need to do more. A difficult league to keep doing that for 38 games. There will be players who won’t be able to perform as well as they used to.”
Well, after his display against Chelsea, Tanaka earned praise from Stuart Dallas on LUTV, who suggested that the Japan ace was being too hard on himself, especially when he can play like he did last night.
“He’s been very critical of himself where he talked about not being up to the level of the Premier League, but he’s starting to get there. His finish was fantastic,” Dallas said, discussing what Tanaka said recently.
“Nmecha wins it, Jayden Bogle gets it and Ao’s first touch is sensational. He sort of whips it with pace. Another huge step forward in terms of performance for him,” Dallas continued on the Japan midfielder.
The highlights of stunning Leeds United win v Chelsea 😍
Ao Tanaka’s excellent stats in win for Leeds against Chelsea
This was a superb performance. Collectively, but almost individually. Jaka Bijol enjoyed his best outing in a Leeds shirt by some distance, Ethan Ampadu was back to his best and the 3-5-2 formation was perfect.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha were a threat up front throughout. Tanaka is being tasked with a slightly different role from the one that saw the Japan star shine throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
Brilliant Ao Tanaka stats in Leeds win v Chelsea 😃
A bit of everything from Ao Tanaka:
- 67 minutes played, 1 goal, 7.7 FotMob rating (fifth-best on pitch)
- Three defensive contributions, 0.25 XG+XA
- 30 touches, 14/20 successful passes (70%)
- One interception, two recoveries
Tanaka has played in a more advanced role in the past for Japan and Dusseldorf, but doing it in the Premier League is a different kettle of fish. Yet, his goal against Chelsea proves he is more than capable.
Liverpool next for Leeds, with Michael Owen suggesting that Leeds can get a result against the Reds at Elland Road. Tanaka will be one of the first names on the team sheet come Saturday evening at home.
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