Leeds United’s success in the Championship this season can be attributed to their strong presence in midfield. The team leads in “touches in midfield,” surpassing Burnley by 500 touches. Although key players like Ethan Ampadu and Illia Gruev were sidelined within 70 minutes of play, substitutes Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka have seamlessly filled their roles.
Rothwell and Tanaka formed a midfield partnership during Leeds’ match against Norwich on October 1st. Despite facing tough opponents, including Norwich, Bristol City, and Sunderland, the duo managed to secure two wins and three draws in their first five games together. Tanaka, in particular, has shone with outstanding performances, earning the man of the match award in consecutive games against Sheffield United and Watford.
Tanaka’s resilience and skill on the field have earned him the nickname “Tiger Tanaka,” a reference to a James Bond character. However, manager Daniel Farke praised Tanaka as “James Bond” for his ability to turn the game in their favor with crucial duels and decisive plays.
With the support of Rothwell and the recent addition of Josuha Guilavogui, Leeds’ midfield is poised to play a crucial role in maintaining their form throughout the winter. It is essential for the team to avoid further injuries in this area to sustain their momentum in the league.
Leeds fans can look forward to more stellar performances from their midfield duo as they continue to adapt and excel in their roles on the pitch. The team’s success in controlling games and dictating play will heavily rely on the midfield’s cohesion and performance in the coming matches. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock for the latest on Leeds United’s journey in the Championship.
