Ao Tanaka: Japan media react to Leeds star's display vs Tunisia
Ao Tanaka starred for Japan as the Leeds United midfielder started in the 4-0 win against Tunisia in the 2026 World Cup on Sunday.
The 27-year-old was heavily involved for the Samurai Blue at Estadio Monterrey on 21 June, as Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito scored once while Ayase Ueda bagged a brace.
What the former Fortuna Dusseldorf ace did admirably was win the ball back for Hajime Moriyasu's team in the middle of the park and also played some key passes in the buildup to the first and third goals.
The Japanese media recognised Tanaka for his all-round display, something the Elland Road faithful have become familiar with over the last two seasons.
Japan face Sweden in the final group stage match of the competition as they look to seal their place in the knockout stages of the summer tournament.
The midfielder will surely hope he's made a case for himself to be a prominent part of Moriyasu's plans after missing out on a place against the Netherlands.
Ueda was arguably the standout performer for Japan against Tunisia, but the Leeds ace also put in a shift and made a massive impact for them.
Japan media rate Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka after win vs Tunisia
Tanaka reestablished himself in Daniel Farke's plans towards the end of the 2025-26 campaign and has now taken that form to the World Cup.
The midfielder received a rating of 7 out of 10 from Hochi.News, being lauded for his involvement in the opening goal as well as his through pass to the Feyenoord striker, who then set up Ito.
Tanaka received another 7 out of 10 from Soccerdigestweb as he was heavily involved in the middle of the park.
The Elland Road star was awarded a slightly better score of 7.5 out of 10 from Footballchannel.jp, who wrote, "He made his presence felt, both in offence and defence. His high-quality off-the-ball movements contributed to the team."
Ao Tanaka U-turn on cards at Elland Road
Sources told Football Insider in April that Leeds feared Tanaka would push to leave this summer due to his lack of game time under Farke.
The Whites clearly don't want to lose the Japan international and they may have every chance of keeping him after he started the last seven Premier League games under the German manager.
Tanaka has proven he can compete for his place at Elland Road and the West Yorkshire outfit should resist any offers that arrive for him in the coming weeks.