Are you concerned Tanaka has only made seven PL starts? - Poll of the Day (22nd Jan)

Post by **1964white** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 8:03 am

Tanaka has made 8 starts, 7 in the Premier League & in the cup game at Derby, coming off the bench 12 times.

In those 8 starts, Ao has scored 3 goals.

Tanaka has an average rating of 7/10, so Ao is playing well

He is competing with Ampadu (20), Stach (18), Aaronson (17), Gruev (11) & Longstaff (11).

With the signing of Buonanotte. Tanaka has more competition for a place in the first XI.

We do need a quality squad though, especially on the bench

Post by **1964white** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 8:05 am

No for me, as we need plenty of quality on the bench too.

Cowboy Dan · Post by **Cowboy Dan** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 9:45 am

No, but yes.
It's not a concern that he doesn't start in our strongest team; the Ampadu/Stach/Aaronson three is working well, and having Tanaka's quality coming off the bench is fine. What does concern me is that when Stach's injured and Farke plays someone who offers absolutely nothing offensively rather than Tanaka. It wouldn't surprise me if him and Gnonto are sold in the summer unfortunately.

Jammy 07 · Post by **Jammy 07** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 9:59 am

No not concerned at all.

In Farke we trust.

weasel · Post by **weasel** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 10:25 am

I don't think he is good enough to be a starter yet. I doubt he starts in any other premier league team. Whilst he may offer more attack wise than say a Gruev he is also a little careless at times. Gruev gives the team a better balance allowing others to attack. So for me having AO as an impact sub is fine.

Post by **1964white** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 10:29 am

weasel wrote: ↑Thu Jan 22, 2026 10:25 am I don't think he is good enough to be a starter yet. I doubt he starts in any other premier league team. Whilst he may offer more attack wise than say a Gruev he is also a little careless at times. Gruev gives the team a better balance allowing others to attack. So for me having AO as an impact sub is fine.

Totally agree, he is an excellent squad player.

Post by **1964white** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 10:30 am

Cowboy Dan wrote: ↑Thu Jan 22, 2026 9:45 am No, but yes.
It's not a concern that he doesn't start in our strongest team; the Ampadu/Stach/Aaronson three is working well, and having Tanaka's quality coming off the bench is fine. What does concern me is that when Stach's injured and Farke plays someone who offers absolutely nothing offensively rather than Tanaka. It wouldn't surprise me if him and Gnonto are sold in the summer unfortunately.

I'd be very surprised if we sell Tanaka this summer!

Irish Ian · Post by **Irish Ian** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 11:11 am

Carrick Dave · Post by **Carrick Dave** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 11:49 am

I’m a no too.

Leeds are doing well as things stand, so I’m happy to agree to Farke’s decision-making.

Ao gives us dynamism off the bench, it’s up to him to oust Stach or Aaronson if he wants to start more regularly.

Finnatic · Post by **Finnatic** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 1:01 pm

No for the reasons above.
I personally don’t like Ampadu and Longstaff in the same team either.
They are quite similar in many ways and I feel that sometimes they instinctively make the same decisions and leave us disjointed at times.

Our worst run of form occurred when they played together and yet when Longstaff got injured, Ampadu blossomed with the steady influence of Gruev (whatever fans think of him).
I wouldn’t have a problem with Longstaff playing if Ampadu was suspended or injured, just not together.

Tanaka covering Stach or Aaronson if they were suspended or injured is a better fit, imo.

Musicman1965 · Post by **Musicman1965** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 5:27 pm

Tanaka is a good quialty player but I can see why his game time has been restricted in the midfield position. The way we play at present means a strong physical presence to protect the back 3. Tanaka although skilful has not got the build to go up against stong opposition that want to dominate the centre of the park. Tanaka has already made some good appearances in key games. I think DF has called this one right.