Daniel Farke insists Ao Tanaka can shine at Leeds
Tanaka has struggled to force his way into Farke’s starting line-up this season
Daniel Farke insists Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka is happy at Leeds and will get further chances to prove he is a top Premier League player.
Tanaka has struggled to force his way into Farke’s starting line-up this season and there has been speculation over his future, with reports this week claiming he is open to leaving Elland Road in the summer.
The 29-year-old played a key role in last week’s FA Cup semi-final win at West Ham, scoring the opening goal, and could start in place of the injured Anton Stach in Monday night’s Premier League game at Manchester United.
Farke said: “Lately there have been really good performances, so based on that I don’t see anything. I know that he loves to play for this club and is happy with us.
“I’m very happy with his development because Ao is not the youngest anymore and for him it’s his first season in a top flight.”
Tanaka has become a firm favourite with Leeds fans after arriving in 2024 for a reported £2.9million from Fortuna Dusseldorf, but has been self-critical of his own performances since helping the club win promotion.
“He has said publicly he’s not yet good enough for this level, but we’ve always believed in Ao,” Farke added. “He produced a really good performance (at West Ham) and proved against a Premier League side that he can play at the top level.
“For Ao there is no limit because he’s a top player. He’s done this in recent weeks and for that there will be more chances for him in the coming weeks to shine. If he produces performances like he did at West Ham then we are all happy.”