Ao Tanaka first name on team sheet and Dan James decision in three things learned from Leeds United’s win over Watford

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Leeds United are sitting at the top of the Championship table from Tuesday night’s win over Watford, but it was not a perfect display and here are three things we learned from the 2-1 victory.

Ao Tanaka is already indispensable to Daniel Farke’s side

When Daniel Farke signed Japan star Tanaka, there was excitement but trepidation. Can a slight-looking midfielder, who has only played in Japan and Germany’s second tier, go and shine for a club like Leeds?

Not even at the end of October, and Tanaka is now pivotal to this Leeds side. Simon Grayson said he was Leeds’ best player on the night, having made six tackles. Three better than the next-best in a Leeds shirt.

Bought as an attack-minded player to play alongside Ilia Gruev or Ethan Ampadu, Tanaka is being asked to actually replace those duo in a physically demanding Championship but he is doing it with aplomb.

• READ MORE: Stuart Dallas says “tremendous” Leeds player is giving Daniel Farke a headache

Daniel Farke has to start £25m man against Bristol City

When Largie Ramazani limped off the field of play after 12 minutes, boss Farke was forced into a choice. Either, Manor Solomon or Dan James. The right move was the one he made, bringing on Solomon.

However, Solomon was poor. LeedsUnited.News rated Solomon just 4/10, constantly losing the ball. After the game, winger Solomon said his Leeds momentum came to a halt with the injury, and is not at his best.

Meanwhile, Dan James came on for the last 20 minutes and sparkled. A great cross into Mateo Joseph which the striker should have scored. £25m man James has to start if Ramazani is injured on Saturday.

Junior Firpo out, Sam Byram or Isaac Schmidt?

One player that will definitely be missing on Saturday is Junior Firpo. The left-back accumulated his fifth yellow card of the season in just 11 Championship games for pulling back Festy Ebosele in the second 45.

So Farke has a decision to make. Does he go safe and bring in the ever-reliable Sam Byram at left-back, on his wrong side, or does he start left-footed Isaac Schmidt and hand him his first-ever Leeds start?

Judging by the last couple of games, Farke looks as if he will bring in Byram – which seems a bit harsh on new signing Schmidt. When will Schmidt actually get another opportunity to start a game for Leeds?