Ao Tanaka and Gabriel Gudmundsson did battle in the early hours of Friday morning as the Leeds United duo looked to secure second place in Group F of the World Cup.
With Netherlands picking up a win over Tunisia, the clash between Graham Potter’s Sweden and dark horses Japan was a scrap for second place. Japan went into the game a point ahead of their opponents.
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A draw was enough for Tanaka and Japan to hold onto second spot, setting up a mouthwatering clash against Brazil in the round of 32. Sweden meanwhile, will have to take on France in the next round.
Tanaka was excellent in the middle of the park, enjoying a wonderful first 45 minutes in which he was equally as combative as technically astute. Gudmundsson was solid on the left of a back three.
What did Japanese and Swedish media say about Leeds duo
Indeed, Tanaka earned praise from Chris Sutton who was on co-commentary duty, while former Celtic captain Scott Brown also applauded Tanaka for an “unbelievable” display in the middle of the park.
Japanese outlet Football Channel delivered their player ratings after the game, and Tanaka was hailed Japan’s ‘MVP’. With a rating of 7.5/10, Tanaka was given his side’s best rating from the 1-1 draw.
They reported: “He ran all over the pitch, stifling the opponent’s attacks. He made his presence felt both offensively and defensively.” Amid reports he could leave Leeds, Tanaka put on a real show for Japan.
Meanwhile, Swedish newspaper Expressen gave their verdict on Gudmundsson and while it was a 2/5 rating, they were deeply complimentary of the left-back, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea.
They said, following the 1-1 draw against Japan: “Looks like the mature security point in the back line. Directs, points, waves and shouts. Becomes more and more a part of the team with each match.”
There is a world where both Gudmundsson and Tanaka leave
Having admitted he was frustrated over a lack of Premier League starts in January, Tanaka is being linked with a return to Germany this summer. Ridiculously, some reports have rated Tanaka at a bargain £8m.
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It would be a travesty, based on his performance against Sweden, if Tanaka was sold. A player that is still a fan favourite at Leeds given his part in winning the Championship, and for his goals during 2025-26.
Gudmundsson, meanwhile, is an option to replace Marc Cucurella at Chelsea after the Euro 2024 winner joined Real Madrid. Gudmundsson refused to rule out a move to Stamford Bridge in a press conference.
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