Ao Tanaka once again stole the headlines for Leeds United in their 2-1 win over Watford at Elland Road.
Despite going 2-0 ahead inside seven minutes, Leeds were made to work hard for their three points against the Hornets, and Tanaka’s calming presence in midfield was a huge part of that.
Tanaka was making just his fourth start for Leeds since joining in the summer but has already established himself as one of the Championship’s best players.
After winning man of the match against Sheffield United, former Leeds boss Simon Grayson also labelled Tanaka as their stand-out performer on Tuesday night.
Daniel Farke says Tanaka already as a James Bond-like nickname from his teammates such is the impact he has made in a very short space of time.
Tanaka achieves Championship first in Leeds win
When Leeds lost both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev to long-term injuries in just a matter of days, many were wondering how they would cope without a holding midfielder.
Despite being signed to play as more of an advanced eight, Tanaka has helped that that gap exceptionally, with his off the ball work better than anyone could’ve imagined.
Against Watford, Tanaka was able to win possession back 10 times in total, six of which came as a result of tackles. Even when on a booking, he was absolutely everywhere.
Given how much work he put in off the ball, Tanaka could perhaps have been forgiven for a little tiredness when in possession, but he showed absolutely no signs of that.
Tanaka completed 57 of his 61 attempted passes, with an impressive six of his eight long balls also managing to find a teammate.
According to Leeds’ Opta man Jonny Cooper, all those statistics mean Tanaka has become the first Championship player all season to win back possession 10+ times, make at least five tackles, and successfully complete 50+ passes in a single match. The definition of a Rolls-Royce.
- READ MORE: Why Dan James was left ‘devastated’ during Leeds United’s win over Watford at Elland Road
Daniel Farke shares Tanaka’s brilliant nickname at Leeds
Tanaka has not taken long to win the love of both the supporters and his teammates, with his very own chant coming just a matter of minutes into his debut against Hull City.
And as mentioned, Tanaka has also been handed a brilliant nickname by the rest of the Leeds squad, which Farke revealed after the match on Tuesday.
He said: “He said: “He was outstanding today. Lads are doing some jokes about Tiger Tanaka – a Bond villain. No, no he is James Bond. He saved the world today. Steel. Crucial and decisive duels. He was James Bond for us. He can keep going like this.”
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
