Wilfried Gnonto hints at new Ao Tanaka role in cryptic Leeds United message
Leeds United fans were given the first insight into how they’ll perform in the Premier League with their friendly against Manchester United.
Daniel Farke‘s side played out a 0-0 draw with their rivals in Stockholm and saw several of Leeds’ new signings make their debuts, including Sean Longstaff barely a day after his move from Newcastle United.
Longstaff, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson made their debuts off the bench at half-time after Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha started from the off, as Leeds’ pre-season began with a solid display.
Further arrivals are expected before Leeds begin their league campaign against Everton on 18 August, particularly up front after Farke informed Patrick Bamford that he’ll be surplus to requirements next term.
Tanaka takes up new mantle after Leeds v Man United display
Man United swapped their entire XI at half-time of Saturday’s friendly at the Strawberry Arena, but Leeds only made eight changes of their own at the break and three players saw out most of the second half.
Ao Tanaka was one of these alongside Ilia Gruev and Jayden Bogle, and came off alongside the latter in a swap for Harry Gray and Sam Chambers having played 77 minutes in a more advanced midfield position.
Tanaka often sat at the base of Leeds’ midfield last season to dictate play and tempo, but quickly settled into his new role and posted on Instagram (20 July) with a clear statement of intent to Leeds post-match.
The Japanese international said; “Back to work – Need to more improve”, and Gnonto replied with the number ’10’ in the comments, hinting at either Tanaka’s new role or an assessment of his performance.
Leeds set to answer Tanaka’s statement in new transfer update
Bolstering central midifeld has been a clear priority in this summer’s transfer window, albeit Leeds got off to a bad start on this front after being beaten to the £30million signing of Habib Diarra by Sunderland.
However, Longstaff’s arrival and the imminent addition of Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach will give Farke further steel in the engine room alongside Tanaka, Gruev, and skipper Ethan Ampadu.
More midfield additions will generate competition for places even if Farke tweaks his usual 4-2-3-1 setup into a 4-3-3, but Tanaka’s immediate adaption to his new role suggests that he’ll still be a regular starter next season.