Leeds must rue offloading "sensational" talent who’s outperforming Tanaka
After last season’s play-off final heartbreak, every Leeds United supporter will be hoping that the club can ride out the next couple of months of action and secure a return to the Premier League.
Since dropping down to the Championship, the Whites have won a total of 49 matches out of a possible 79, with boss Daniel Farke currently achieving a 62% win rate in the league, promotion form without a doubt.
The German deserves tremendous credit for his ability to build a side capable of competing after dropping down to the second tier, with Luton Town just one example of what can happen, currently sitting in the relegation zone.
His side are currently sitting top of the tree with just 13 games remaining, seven points clear of third place – taking a huge decline in form to prevent them from going one better than last campaign.
It’s safe to say one of the summer additions that arrived at Elland Road during the off-season has made a huge difference, looking to be one of the signings of the season after his bargain transfer.
Ao Tanaka’s stats for Leeds United in 2024/25
During the summer, Leeds decided to buy Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka from German side Fortuna Düsseldorf for a fee in the region of just £3.5m, arriving as an unknown quantity to the majority of the fanbase.
However, six months on, he’s cemented his place as a regular starter at the heart of the Whites midfield, offering that consistent presence that has contributed to their success in recent weeks.
The 26-year-old’s form has kept numerous stars out of the starting lineup, with the likes of Joe Rothwell having to resort to a place on the bench, whilst Ethan Ampadu has dropped back into a centre-back role.
Tanaka has started each of the last 10 league matches, dating back to Boxing Day, notching two goals and one assist in that time – taking his total to four goal contributions when combined with his first assist against Middlesbrough.
However, despite his first excellent form in Yorkshire, he’s been outperformed by one player who came through the ranks at Elland Road before departing back in 2017.
The former Leeds star who’s outperformed Tanaka in 2024/25
Leeds’ academy has produced numerous high-level talents over the last few years, many of whom have made an impact on the first team before departing for huge sums – allowing Farke to make investments such as Tanaka.
However, some also left for a bargain fee, including midfielder Alex Mowatt who left for fellow Yorkshire outfit Barnsley in a six-figure deal way back in January 2017.
The academy graduate made over 100 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring countless long-range goals, but eventually fell out of favour under previous boss Garry Monk – leading to his subsequent departure.
Fast-forward eight years, the now 30-year-old plies trade for fellow Championship side West Bromwich Albion, subsequently playing a key role in their own ambitions of securing promotion come the end of May.
The Englishman has made 30 appearances in 2024/25 to date, matching or bettering Tanaka in numerous key areas, highlighting the development he’s endured after his move away from the club.
How Mowatt compares to Tanaka in the Championship (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Mowatt
Tanaka
Games played
30
30
Goals & assists
7
4
Shot-on-target accuracy
33%
20%
Progressive carries
1.6
1.1
Passes completed per game
76
76
Shot-creating actions
3
2.5
Clearances made
1.5
0.9
% of tackles won
56%
53%
Take-on success
43%
35%
Stats via FBref
Mowatt, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by former Whites boss Steve Evans, has registered more goals and assists than the current first-team star, offering more of a goal threat with his set-piece delivery.
He’s also averaged more progressive carries per 90, whilst registering more shot-creating actions, highlighting his attacking qualities in the box-to-box role he currently operates in.
Whilst Tanaka is undeniably known for his defensive abilities, Mowatt has averaged more clearances per 90, also winning more of the tackles he’s entered – showcasing his talents at both ends of the pitch.
At the time, it was disappointing to see such a promising youngster depart for such a cheap fee, even more so now given his rise away from Elland Road.
He could’ve been the perfect partner next to Tanaka at the base of Farke’s midfield, adding that depth to further bolster their chances of ending their two-year Premier League exile.
However, it remains a case of what could’ve been for Mowatt with his boyhood side, demonstrating what they could’ve had if they decided to keep hold of him rather than sell him on the cheap.
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