Leeds United fans are buzzing with new signings this summer and they’re not just fast or skilful, they’re massive!
Manager Daniel Farke and club chief Adam Underwood are building a team full of tall, strong players, with six out of seven new signings all over 6ft tall.
The reason? Leeds have noticed that the last few teams who got promoted didn’t have enough strength.
They went back down straight away. Now, Leeds want to avoid the same mistake by becoming one of the most physical teams in the Premier League.
But there’s a problem. One of last season’s best players, Ao Tanaka, might not fit the plan.
Tanaka: Fan Favourite but Too Light?
Tanaka was a real standout in the Championship last season. He was classy, calm on the ball, and always seemed one step ahead.
Fans loved his style. Some even called him a “Rolls Royce” in midfield.
But now, his lack of strength is raising concerns.
piece-of-japan
Last season, there were moments when Tanaka got pushed off the ball too easily.
In games like Luton and Middlesbrough, he lost the ball in key areas which can be very dangerous in the Premier League.
In top-flight games, those mistakes often lead to goals. And in pre-season matches this summer, it’s happened again.
Against Manchester United and Villarreal, Tanaka was knocked off the ball a few times, making Leeds fans and staff nervous.
Farke’s Line-Up Sends a Message
In the last friendly against Villarreal, Farke might’ve shown his hand.
Instead of starting Tanaka, he picked Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach, both over 6ft, to play alongside Ethan Ampadu in midfield.
The message seems clear, Farke wants size, strength, and power.
He even changed the formation to remove the number 10 role, the spot where Tanaka often plays best.
That could mean the manager is thinking about leaving Tanaka out of the starting XI when Leeds take on Everton in the first Premier League game of the season.
Will Tanaka Be Dropped?
It’s still early, and pre-season doesn’t always tell the full story.
But with Leeds now focused on height, set-piece strength, and being tough to beat, Tanaka’s future in the starting line-up looks shaky.
Fans still believe in his quality. But in a Premier League where every inch matters, it seems Leeds might be going in a different direction, one that could leave Tanaka on the bench.
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