Leeds United fans rave about ‘outstanding’ ace after win vs Millwall, he was ‘levels above’ everyone else

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Leeds United did what they had to do tonight and bagged a crucial three points against Millwall to return to the top of the Championship table.

It has been a difficult week in the Championship for Leeds United, who dropped points against West Brom before succumbing to their first defeat in the league since November, losing 1-0 to Portsmouth on Sunday.

Manager Daniel Farke outlined the difficult task ahead with the clash against Millwall, a team that has already beaten the Whites twice this season.

But, he needn’t have worried. Leeds were ahead after three minutes thanks to an own goal from Jake Cooper, and it was star midfielder, Ao Tanaka, who sealed all three points in the closing stages with a fine strike to make it 2-0.

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Ao Tanaka guides Leeds United to a crucial three points

Tanaka has shined all season for Leeds, and is now looking like a bargain pick-up for the Yorkshire club after his £3.4m arrival from Fortuna Dusseldorf last summer.

After this latest win, Leeds fans took to Twitter/X to share the love for the Japanese midfielder, crowning him not only the ‘best player’ on the pitch, but potentially the best player in the whole Championship.

One fan hailed the “outstanding performance” from Tanaka on the night, while another said he was the “best player on the pitch second half. Levels above.”

After the season Tanaka has enjoyed, one Leeds fan has seen enough, demanding, “Just build the man a statue now.”

Taking the hype even further, another said: “Ballon d’Or winner incoming.” Another added: “Best £30m we have ever spent.. checks notes… sorry £3m.”

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Is Ao Tanaka the best player in the Championship?

One Leeds supporter suggested Tanaka is the “best player in the league,” which got us pondering whether that is actually a case of hyperbole, or if there’s some truth in the idea.

The midfielder has played 34 games this season, scoring four goals and adding two assists. But, that’s not really what his game is about.

Tanaka is a highly-technical, deep-lying playmaker who is quietly making Leeds tick. When he’s on form, Leeds are almost untouchable.

Daniel Farke has an array of gifted players, like the productive Dan James or the Championship Golden Boot candidate, Joel Piroe. But, if you had to sign just one player from this current Leeds side, you’d surely snap up Tanaka.

There are very few players like Tanaka in the league. Indeed, you won’t find many players who offer better value than the £3.4m Leeds spent on him.

While many would suggest the likes of Jobe Bellingham to be the best player in the league, Tanaka is the underrated gem everyone should be paying more attention to.