Japan fans have shared their reaction as Leeds United star Ao Tanaka was part of the midfield that secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against Paraguay.
Ao Tanaka was the Leeds United Player of the Year as they earned promotion back to the Premier League last season.
Japanese international Tanaka has found game time harder to come by this season, as Daniel Farke has preferred the solidity of a midfield trio including new signings Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach, alongside club captain Ethan Ampadu.
Tanaka has admitted he wants more game time in Leeds’ midfield, and he had the chance to show why he deserves an opportunity on international duty with Japan.
The Leeds man’s performance was largely well-received by fans as he looks to convince Farke that he deserves a regular starting spot, as Japan escaped with a last-minute 2-2 draw.
How Japan fans reacted to Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka vs Paraguay
Tanaka started the game in the heart of Japan’s midfield alongside FSV Mainz 05 midfielder Kaishu Sano. He played 78 minutes of the game before being replaced as Japan chased an equaliser.
Posting on the social media site X (formerly Twitter), user @azuazu563332 praised Tanaka’s stamina in the middle of the park, writing: “Tanaka Ao’s stamina is incredible, All-rounder. Nakamura Keito, Ito Junya. This is still just the beginning.”
Another user, @shintarosaito_, praised the Leeds midfielder’s impact at both ends of the pitch, stating: “Tanaka Ao is sharp in both attack and defence (seriously, take a good look at this).”
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo was forced to miss the game through injury, but user @tak_fu_eei was convinced that Tanaka can handle the step up in his absence, posting: “I finally got to watch a Japan national team match after a long time, and even without Morita and Endo, it seems like Sano Kaishu and Tanaka Ao can handle it. Sano Kaishu is incredible.”
The response to Tanaka’s display was not universally positive, as @vissel_foxes wrote, “Minamino and Tanaka Ao are pretty bad, huh.”
However, this was countered by @Eas01oMkKw76574, who praised Tanaka’s positioning, stating, “Even when tightly pressed by a three-back defence, Tanaka sensed it and dropped back, forming a line of four. I hope this continues.”
The overwhelmingly positive sentiment was summed up by @sportsfun916, who added: “The performances of familiar Japan national team players like Takefusa Kubo and Ao Tanaka are incredible! It’s no surprise they’re often starters in Europe’s major leagues.”
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Ao Tanaka’s stats vs Paraguay
Tanaka received an overall rating of 7.0 from FotMob, which backs up the broadly positive assessment of his performance from the Japanese fans.
In his 78 minutes on the pitch, Tanaka took a total of 68 touches, maintaining an overall pass accuracy of 83% by connecting with 49 of his 59 attempted passes.
Ao Tanaka vs Paraguay
- Minutes played: 78
- Touches: 68
- Touches in opposition box: 1
- Passes into final third: 9
- Total passes completed (success rate): 49 (83%)
- Clearances: 2
Although Tanaka only won one of his five ground duels, he was strong in the air, winning 100% of his five aerial duels as he contributed well in defence.
He also took one touch in the opposition box, with nine passes into the final third, as he completed a strong all-round display.
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