With multiple new signings through the door at Leeds United, Daniel Farke’s first starting 11 remains unclear, with many names in contention to compete against Everton.
Leeds have completed seven signings in the summer transfer window so far, with a number of those coming in a central midfield spot.
The Whites completed the signing of Sean Longstaff from Newcastle before making a deal for Anton Stach from Hoffenheim to further bolster the centre of the Whites’ midfield.
Farke has experimented in pre-season by using an unfamiliar 4-3-3 system, perhaps to accommodate the further defensive duties that Leeds will need to undertake this season.
Despite the club’s new arrivals, Daniel Farke should not hesitate to start a player who was voted by his own teammates as the club’s player of the year last season.
Ao Tanaka must start in Leeds’ midfield three against Everton
Ao Tanaka was a standout performer for Leeds in the Championship last season, appearing in 43 of their 46 fixtures and making five goal contributions, including the club’s goal of the season against Hull.
The Japanese international provides huge defensive support for the Leeds backline and allows for his midfield partners to push forward in search of creating chances.
Tanaka’s partnership with Joe Rothwell was an integral part of Leeds’ success, and this could be replicated with Longstaff charging forward in a box-to-box role whilst Tanaka aids defensively.
The midfielder’s agent has a strong belief that he can cope in the Premier League, despite some Leeds personnel’s concerns over Tanaka’s physicality.
If paired alongside the much taller Stach and the energetic Longstaff, the 26-year-old can nullify attackers and keep the likes of Iliman Ndiaye at bay.
How Ao Tanaka performed last season (2024/25)
| Contributions | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Goals + Assists | 7 |
| Pass Accuracy | 89% |
| Accurate long balls | 96 |
| Interceptions | 54 |
| Recoveries | 217 |
| Tackles won | 55 |
Tanaka’s contributions to such an attacking Leeds United outfit are incredibly impressive and he shows an incredible ability to adjust his style of play should Leeds look to play more direct.
Alongside his defensive contributions, the Japanese international was a strong threat from long range with incredible strikes against Hull and Millwall and notable near misses against Oxford and Middlesbrough, with the woodwork rattled.
He clearly made an impression on Premier League onlookers as well as the Leeds faithful, with Declan Rice lauding the midfielder with praise following the Whites’ promotion being confirmed.
Rice would describe Tanaka as “unbelievable” before praising his style of play, referring to the midfielder as “really energetic and good on the ball”.
Whereas time will tell if Tanaka can step up to the Premier League, Farke must consider the midfielder over the likes of Ilja Gruev to start against Everton to allow his other midfielders the freedom to roam forward and look for goals.