Ao Tanaka makes strong case to become undroppable for Leeds United

Ao Tanaka has given Daniel Farke a major Leeds United selection decision after producing an impressive performance against Brighton in his first Premier League start of the season.

Leeds have made an encouraging start to 2026/27, taking eight points from their opening four matches after two wins and two draws.

Competition for places has increased following another busy summer, particularly in midfield, but Tanaka's latest performance suggests he deserves a regular place alongside captain Ethan Ampadu.

The Japan international had to be patient at the beginning of the campaign.

He was an unused substitute against Nottingham Forest before playing the second half against Brentford. Farke then handed him his first league start of the season away at Brighton.

Tanaka responded with a performance that earned him the supporters' Player of the Match award.

The 27-year-old provided the assist for Jayden Bogle, showing composure to pick out his teammate rather than attempting to score himself from a difficult angle.

He also came close to getting on the scoresheet when an effort struck the top of the crossbar.

It was the kind of all-round midfield display that will make it difficult for Farke to take him back out of the Premier League XI.

There is also an impressive statistic supporting Tanaka's case.

Leeds have lost just eight of the 58 matches Tanaka has started, winning 34 and drawing 16.

Among Leeds players to have started at least 50 matches, only Alan Peacock has a lower defeat percentage.

Tanaka's 14% losing ratio is therefore the second-lowest in the club's history among players meeting that threshold.

It does not mean Tanaka is solely responsible for those results, but it certainly supports the argument that Leeds have functioned particularly well with him in the team.

Tanaka's energy has always been one of his biggest strengths.

His relentless running even earned him comparisons with N'Golo Kanté during Leeds' Championship campaign, but reducing his game to work rate would overlook much of what makes him valuable.

Tanaka is technically secure, comfortable receiving possession in tight spaces and capable of progressing the ball through midfield.

Against Brighton, he also demonstrated that he can influence matches closer to the opposition penalty area.

That combination could be particularly valuable for Farke when deciding who partners Ampadu in midfield.

Ao Tanaka, Anton Stach, Sean Longstaff, Brenden Aaronson and Harry Wilson are all competing for places, but Tanaka has now given his manager a compelling reason to keep him in the side.

There is another issue Leeds will eventually have to address.

Tanaka has less than two years remaining on his contract, making this an important season for both player and club.

The midfielder had previously expressed frustration over his lack of playing time and even considered leaving in January.

His situation looks considerably different if he can establish himself as a regular starter.

From Football Place's perspective, Brighton should be the benchmark. One strong performance alone should not make any player untouchable, but Tanaka has combined that display with a remarkable longer-term record when starting for Leeds.

If he maintains that level, Farke will find it increasingly difficult to justify leaving him out.

Farke may rotate his squad for the cup meeting with Chelsea, but Tanaka has put himself firmly in contention to start when Leeds return to Premier League action against Newcastle United.

If he produces another performance like the one at Brighton, the debate over his place in the Leeds midfield may quickly disappear.