The Ao Tanaka statistic against Hull City which already shows Leeds United have found a real bargain

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Ao Tanaka was Leeds United’s penultimate signing of the summer transfer window and it already looks as though Daniel Farke may have struck gold.

Leeds were in search for more of an attack-minded number eight for several weeks before announcing Tanaka on deadline day for a fee in the region of just £3.4 million.

Tanaka‘s arrival from Fortuna Dusseldorf is thought to have cost just over half what Leeds were able to sell Glen Kamara for, with the hope he could actually be a better fit for Farke‘s system.

Kamara had some brilliant games during his one and only season at Elland Road, particularly in some of the most important against the likes of Leicester and Norwich City.

However, his reluctance to shoot and really progress the ball forward with his passing eventually became a slight source of frustration, and hopefully Tanaka will be the one to solve that.

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What Tanaka did vs Hull City

Tanaka was only just signed in time to be in the squad for Saturday’s 2-0 win over Hull City, but Farke still ensured he got some time on the pitch.

The Japanese international was brought on for the final four minutes plus stoppage time, and wasted very little time in stamping his authority on the match.

Though the game being all but won benefitted Tanaka when he came on, it was clear to see what a key role he is going to be play over the course of the season.

As per Opta’s Leeds United stat man Jonny Cooper, Tanaka was able to complete 18 passes in the limited time he had on the pitch.

Since Opta began recording Championship data in 2013/14, only two players have managed to complete more when coming off the bench in the 86th minute or later.

Tanaka immediately showed just how comfortable he is on the ball and his willingness to constantly take it from Ethan Ampadu and the two central defenders, should offer Leeds a completely different dimension in midfield.

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Neil Redfearn thinks Tanaka will soon replace Ilia Gruev

Ilia Gruev has so far been the man tasked with being that more advanced eight this season alongside Ethan Ampadu in midfield.

However, his best role is very much just in front of the defence and clearly Tanaka has been brought in to be a starter and provide that goal threat.

Speaking after the win over Hull City, former Leeds boss Neil Redfearn does not think it will take long for Tanaka to replace Gruev.

He said: “I don’t think we’ll see much of Gruev from now on in, I think we’ll see more of a Tanaka to be honest with you. There’s enough about Ampadu to do the role of two.”