Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell were likely Leeds United’s standout performers in their win against Sheffield United. With the injuries to Ethan Amapdu and Ilia Gruev, the two have to step up and be pillars for a thinning midfield.
Moreover, Rothwell provided the assist on the corner kick that allowed Pascal Struijk to score the club’s first set-piece goal since February. The Japanese international didn’t factor in with an assist, but the midfielder had a stellar game from a statistical standpoint.
Jonny Cooper from Opta pointed out an impressive stat showcasing Tanaka’s smooth adjustment at Elland Road. In his first three starts for Leeds United, Tanaka has made 175 passes, the highest total by a Leeds player in their opening three league matches since the 2013-14 season, according to Opta.
After the win against the Blades, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke mentioned that Tanaka and Rothwell had to adjust their playing style and expressed his satisfaction with how well they’ve handled the challenge.
“Their best performance in this combination,” Farke said at his press conference. “We need this against a good side. No, forget Rothwell has hardly played 90 minutes for two years. A more attacking minded player.
“Tanaka the same. They have to be more disciplined. Had to adapt the system and be more dominant with the ball an careful with our passes because we don’t have the same protection in front of defence.”
Daniel Farke issues high praise for Joe Rothwell
Rothwell is on loan from Bournemouth and while the injuries to the midfield have led to him being in the Leeds United starting XI, the veteran is turning Farke into a major fan of how he plays the game of football.
“Joe played excellently against Sheffield United but there were one or two mistakes in his passing and against the ball and one or two times where he can improve with his deliveries,” Farke said at his press conference before the Watford match (h/t The Yorkshire Post).
“There’s always space for improvement. But we are all happy we have him and that he’s proved his worth. When he’s on his game it’s a joy to watch because he can make your game even more fluent than perhaps any other player in this position. I like a lot what he’s delivering at the moment.”
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