I was at Elland Road and saw ‘fantastic’ Leeds United ace show he is one of the Championship’s best players

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Leeds United weren’t quite as efficient in their win over Watford as against Sheffield United, but it is another three points on the board.

The Whites had looked like they were on their way to an easy win at Elland Road after racing into a two-goal lead inside seven minutes thanks to Largie Ramazani and Brenden Aaronson.

However, in a typical Tuesday night Championship affair, Leeds didn’t make it easy for themselves and Watford’s goal just two minutes after the break made for a nervy second half.

Tom Cleverley’s side had a decent 10-minute spell after Kwadwo Baah’s goal but Leeds eventually managed to wrestle back control, and should’ve won by more in the end.

Leeds are now up to second in the Championship ahead of tonight’s fixtures and will be looking to make it nine points from a possible nine since the international break at Bristol City.

• READ MORE: Leeds United defender hit with suspension after falling off disciplinary tightrope

I saw Ao Tanaka show he is one of the Championship’s best

There were times in the match where Leeds looked a little stretched but there was one man who simply never looked flustered.

Ao Tanaka won man of the match against Sheffield United on Friday and was once again Leeds’ best player last night.

Being at Elland Road and seeing him in the flesh, it is even easier to see just how effortless he makes playing in a Championship midfield. He always knows the right time to pass, or to turn out of trouble.

Not only did Tanaka complete 57 of his 61 attempted passes, but he was an absolute monster off the ball. He just continues to grow into that holding midfield role.

Incredibly, Tanaka won nine of his 11 duels, and made an impressive six tackles. When everyone else around him were slightly wilting under pressure, he was always the calming influence in midfield.

It is crazy to think that was just his fourth Championship start and already he looks as though he may well be one of, if not the best player in his position across the entire division.

• READ MORE: Lee Hendrie says Leeds United did not use one player enough against Watford, he was a constant threat

Simon Grayson offers verdict on Tanaka performance for Leeds

Anyone watching Leeds last night will have had Tanaka as the man of the match and former Whites boss Simon Grayson was among them.

Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, Grayson hailed the Japanese international as a ‘fantastic’ signing and the best player on the pitch against Watford.

He said: “Tanaka was probably the best player for Leeds tonight. He probably tired a little bit in that second half, second half of the second half, but I think he has been a fantastic signing so far.”