Ao Tanaka
26-Year-Old
Leeds United
Premier
GTD
Injury Knee
Est. Return 8/30/2025
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Tanaka joined Leeds United last summer and immediately established himself as the heartbeat of the midfield. He made 43 appearances (37 starts) and scored five times with two assists from 43 shots and 31 chances created. It was a solid campaign in the Championship, but that sort of production doesn't bode well for any sort of consistent offensive breakout in the Premier League. Most of Tanaka's fantasy production will likely be of the defensive variety with less than five goal contributions a likely result this season.
Dealing with MCL
Tanaka was forced off in the second half of Saturday's 5-0 defeat against Arsenal due to problems with his MCL, coach Daniel Farke said in a press conference, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. "After a tackle in the first half, he had problems with his MCL. He kept going and I hope it's not too bad. I hope the assessment is not too bad. There are a few concerns that it would be an injury but it's normally positive that he could play further on. But we will have to assess him and we will see how long it takes to get him fit and back to full fitness."
ANALYSIS
Tanaka was forced off in the 58th minute of Saturday's defeat against the Gunners after dealing with MCL problems. The midfielder had been suffering from it since the first half and carried on, suggesting it might be only a minor issue. Tanaka will be assessed in the coming days to see if he has to miss time or if he will be good to go for upcoming fixtures. If he has to miss time, his absence will force a change in the starting XI, with Sean Longstaff likely seeing increased playing time.
Tanaka was forced off in the 58th minute of Saturday's defeat against the Gunners after dealing with MCL problems. The midfielder had been suffering from it since the first half and carried on, suggesting it might be only a minor issue. Tanaka will be assessed in the coming days to see if he has to miss time or if he will be good to go for upcoming fixtures. If he has to miss time, his absence will force a change in the starting XI, with Sean Longstaff likely seeing increased playing time.
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More Fantasy News
Immediate midfield force
Tanaka had five goals and two assists from 43 shots and 31 chances created in 37 starts (43 appearances this past season).
ANALYSIS
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Moves to Leeds
Tanaka signed with Leeds from Fortuna Dusseldorf, the club announced.
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Finds net in win
Tanaka scored one goal from one shot and made three interceptions during Thursday's 2-1 win over Spain.
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Assists in win
Tanaka provided one assist during Wednesday's 1-0 win over South Africa.
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