When Leeds United signed Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Dusseldorf for around £3 million, the German club was left to deal with the consequences of losing one of their key players. At the time of the transfer, Fortuna Dusseldorf was in a strong position, having accumulated seven points from nine matches, while Leeds United had only managed two wins in their first five Championship matches. However, since Tanaka’s departure, Fortuna Dusseldorf’s form has declined significantly, with the club winning only five of their 12 Bundesliga 2 matches.
Klaus Allofs, Fortuna Dusseldorf’s sporting director, has acknowledged that the loss of Tanaka, as well as other key players like Christos Tzolis and Yannik Engelhardt, has had a significant impact on the club’s performance. Allofs praised Tanaka’s “incredibly large presence” in the midfield, which allowed the team to play with balance and stability. However, since his departure, the team has struggled to replicate that form, and Allofs admits that they have not been able to compensate for the loss of Tanaka and other key players.
The loss of Tanaka has been particularly felt in the midfield, where he was a dominant force for Fortuna Dusseldorf. His ability to win the ball back, make interceptions, and distribute the ball effectively was a key factor in the team’s success, and his departure has left a significant void. Allofs has acknowledged that the team has struggled to find a suitable replacement for Tanaka, and that his absence has been felt throughout the team.
In contrast, Tanaka has been a revelation at Leeds United, with former manager Simon Grayson describing him as a “top top player” who has had a “massive influence” on the team. Tanaka’s ability to read the game and understand the opposition’s tactics has been praised, with Grayson noting that he “keeps it simple, keeps it moving” and “fills in the gaps” to allow his teammates to play to their strengths.
Tanaka’s statistics also bear out his importance to the team, with him ranking in the top five at Leeds United for tackles won, interceptions made, average passes per game, and pass completion. His ability to win the ball back and distribute it effectively has been a key factor in Leeds United’s success, and he has quickly become one of the team’s most influential players.
The impact of Tanaka’s arrival at Leeds United has been significant, with the team’s form improving dramatically since his arrival. The team has won several matches in a row, and Tanaka has been instrumental in many of those victories. His ability to control the tempo of the game and dictate the flow of play has been a key factor in Leeds United’s success, and he has quickly become a fan favorite at Elland Road.
The article also highlights the challenges faced by Fortuna Dusseldorf in replacing Tanaka and other key players who have left the club. The German club has struggled to find a suitable replacement for Tanaka’s skills and experience, and Allofs has acknowledged that the team has not been able to replicate the form they showed earlier in the season.
The loss of Tanaka has also had a significant impact on Fortuna Dusseldorf’s squad dynamics, with several players struggling to adapt to the new system and formation. The team has struggled to find a new balance and rhythm, and Allofs has acknowledged that the loss of Tanaka has been a significant factor in the team’s decline.
In conclusion, the article suggests that Ao Tanaka’s move to Leeds United has been a significant success for the club, while his departure has had a major impact on Fortuna Dusseldorf’s form. With Tanaka in the midfield, Leeds United have been able to play with more balance and stability, and his influence has been felt throughout the team. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Tanaka continues to perform and whether he can help Leeds United achieve their goals.
The article also highlights the importance of squad depth and the challenges faced by teams when they lose key players. The loss of Tanaka has had a significant impact on Fortuna Dusseldorf’s form, and the team has struggled to find a suitable replacement for his skills and experience. This highlights the importance of having a strong squad with depth and quality, and the challenges faced by teams when they lose key players.
Overall, the article provides a detailed analysis of the impact of Ao Tanaka’s move to Leeds United and the challenges faced by Fortuna Dusseldorf in replacing him. The article highlights the importance of squad depth and the challenges faced by teams when they lose key players, and provides a detailed analysis of Tanaka’s statistics and performances for both Fortuna Dusseldorf and Leeds United.
It’s worth noting that Tanaka’s move to Leeds United was seen as a significant coup for the club, with the player having previously played in the Bundesliga 2 with Fortuna Dusseldorf..