The running joke at Leeds United this summer is that Adam Underwood is turning Daniel Farke’s side into the land of the giants. Six of Leeds’ seven summer arrivals are all over 6ft.
Leeds have identified that the previous six promoted sides, all of whom have been relegated over the past two seasons, lacked physicality. A need to be robust, posing a threat from set-pieces, has been identified.
Leeds have plenty of work to do, with less than a fortnight to go before Everton’s trip to Elland Road. But, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Lukas Nmecha, Anton Stach, Sean Longstaff, and Lucas Perri are over 6ft.
Physicality and aerial prowess will be two elements Farke is keen to utilise in Leeds’ attempts to remain in the Premier League next season. That means players who are deemed lightweight may lose their spot.
Leeds have concerns regarding Ao Tanaka ahead of new season
Ao Tanaka was a fan favourite last season. A technically gifted, Rolls Royce-type midfielder that strolled around the pitch in the Championship with the aura and grace of a player suited to the Premier League.
But at the end of the season, reports emerged that those at Leeds had doubts regarding Tanaka, and his lack of physicality. Certainly, Tanaka was brushed off the ball for Luton’s equaliser at Kenilworth Road.
It happened a few times, even against Middlesbrough late on, but Leeds held on to win 1-0. During pre-season, there have been occasions against Man United and Villarreal in which Tanaka has lost possession.
In the Premier League, mistakes like this get punished. Leeds can afford to lose the ball high up the pitch, but in front of their defence? It will almost certainly result in a goal, like it did in the 1-1 draw at Luton.
Daniel Farke hints at Ao Tanaka decision in Villarreal line-up
When it was reported that Leeds had doubts over Tanaka’s physicality, it was unclear who actually had these doubts. But Saturday showed that those doubts could come from Farke, in his team selection.
Farke not only changed formation to drop the 10 role, but he also started Tanaka from the bench. Now, of course, it is only pre-season and Farke might not know his exact starting line-up for the Everton clash.
But, Farke started Longstaff and Stach either side of Ethan Ampadu. A midfield bursting with physicality, strength and power in the air. If Leeds are to focus on being robust and simply, big, Tanaka will be axed.
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