Leeds United extend incredible Ao Tanaka record, this proves why they simply cannot sell him

Leeds United took another giant step towards securing Premier League safety when they beat Burnley 3-1 on Friday night.

Daniel Farke’s side are now within touching distance of sealing their place in the top flight for next term, after a remarkable turnaround in recent months.

The Whites are currently on a six-game unbeaten run in league action, and that spell has seen midfielder Ao Tanaka come back into the fold and make a big impact on the team.

The Japan international has found regular gametime hard to come by this season, but he has now started in each of his team’s last four league outings.

Leeds want to improve their squad again this summer, and that looks set to create a danger of them potentially losing Tanaka, but after the latest evidence, they should be doing everything they can to keep him.

Ao Tanaka importance laid bare by Premier League one-off

Tanaka was a central figure in Leeds’ promotion from the Championship last term, and on the face of things, his level of importance has slipped drastically in the Premier League.

The additions of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff last summer have meant that the 27-year-old has been limited to just 11 starts in the league, but dig a little deeper, and it is clear to see that he has held just as much value as ever.

According to journalist Charles Erb via his X account, Tanaka had only failed to be involved in one of Leeds’ nine league wins this term, despite being out of the squad for 10 of their assignments.

That incredible statistic has now been extended up to 10 league wins after Friday night’s three points, with Tanaka starting at Elland Road once again.

The fact that Farke now has such a wide range of midfield options at his disposal undoubtedly means that Tanaka is no longer one of the first names on the teamsheet.

However, the fact that his team have desperately struggled to win without him playing some sort of role during the 90 minutes is ample evidence alone that he simply cannot be sold this summer.

Tanaka changes his stance after Anton Stach injury at Leeds

Football Insider revealed last month that Tanaka may now be open to staying at Leeds, after Stach’s recent injury lay-off has seen a spike in his gametime.

He is at the stage of his career where he just wants to be playing games regularly, and he seized the opportunity that has fallen to him in recent weeks.

Farke has clearly been impressed by the level that he has reached, as he has continued to find a place for him in the starting XI even now that Stach has returned.

That is surely a sign that Tanaka has played his way back into the manager’s thoughts for next term, and there is no indication that he will push for an exit if the promise of playing time is made.

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