**Daniel Farke Hands Ao Tanaka New Role in Leeds United Training, Dividing Fans**
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has sparked debate among fans by trialing Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka in a new position during training ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. The £3.4m signing from Fortuna Dusseldorf, who became a fan favorite in the 2024/25 Championship campaign, is being tested in a more advanced midfield role, moving away from his usual defensive anchor position. This tactical shift has left supporters divided, with some excited about the potential and others questioning the decision.
Tanaka, dubbed “Tiger Tanaka” by Farke, was a standout in Leeds’ promotion-winning season, earning a spot in the EFL Team of the Season and the club’s Players’ Player of the Year award. His combative style, precise passing, and tactical awareness made him a cornerstone in the defensive midfield alongside Ethan Ampadu. However, Farke’s recent experiment, revealed through training updates, sees Tanaka playing higher up the pitch, focusing on breaking lines and contributing to attacks, a role that aligns with his eight goals in 28 caps for Japan.
The move has ignited contrasting reactions on social media. Some fans believe it could unlock Tanaka’s attacking potential, with one supporter posting on X, “Tanaka in a No. 10 role could be a game-changer—his vision is unreal!” Others, however, are skeptical, citing his success as a holding midfielder. “Why fix what’s not broken? Tanaka’s our best DM, not a playmaker,” one fan tweeted. Critics point to Tanaka’s occasional struggles in ground duels, as seen in a 1-0 loss to Portsmouth, where he was substituted after a lackluster display.
Farke’s decision comes as Leeds prepare for a challenging Premier League return. With new signings like Anton Stach bolstering the midfield, Farke appears to be exploring ways to maximize Tanaka’s versatility while addressing the team’s need for creativity in the final third. The German manager’s track record of shrewd signings and tactical adaptability, evident in his three Championship promotions, gives him some leeway, but fans remain split on whether this gamble will pay off.
As Leeds gear up for their opener against Everton, all eyes will be on whether Tanaka’s new role becomes a permanent fixture or a brief experiment, with fans hoping Farke’s bold move doesn’t disrupt the midfield dynamo’s momentum.
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