Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka was an unused substitute during Japan’s 4-0 victory over Indonesia in FIFA World Cup qualifying on Friday.
The 26-year-old has been a standout performer for Leeds since joining the club this summer. With Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev sidelined, Tanaka has become a reliable presence in midfield, earning Leeds’ Player of the Month award for his impressive displays in October.
Tanaka was also shortlisted for the Championship Player of the Month award in October but ultimately lost to Norwich City’s Borja Sainz.
Despite his success in the Championship, Tanaka has yet to displace players like Liverpool’s Wataru Endo and Sporting CP’s Hidemasa Morita in Japan’s national team.
For Leeds, Tanaka’s lack of involvement against Indonesia is reassuring from an injury perspective. With Ampadu and Gruev not expected to return until the New Year, and the recent signing of Josuha Guilavogui providing some depth, Tanaka’s contributions in midfield have been crucial.
Japan, currently ranked 15th in the world – their highest position since 2011, will next face China on Tuesday, November 19, as they aim to further solidify their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
