‘I tell you a secret’ – Daniel farke Leeds United’s desperate double transfer attempt for honoured target

Daniel Farke had a secret in his head ahead of Leeds United’s clash with Burnley.    It has emerged that Ao Tanaka made his second visit to Elland Road after making inquiries with the German manager.    A year after trying to land him during his first summer window, Farke finally got his man last month.

   The 26-year-old often deputizes for Farke and although he is unlikely to make his full debut today, the Whites boss is excited about what lies ahead for Tanaka.    Last season alone, for example, the Japanese scored seven goals and created three more in 30 league games for Fortuna Dusseldorf.

   “Ao is a player I really admire,” Farke said.    “To tell you a secret, I tried to sign him 12 months ago because I was so desperate. Even before the scouting team knew him, I was recommending him because I follow him myself.

   “I was in charge in Germany, in the Bundesliga, and he caught my eye, even though he was in the second division. Last season I tried everything to bring him in, because I am absolutely convinced of his qualities.

   “Good age again, really good and neat with the ball.    Good passing ability.    He knows how to score and find a pass.    In his career for the Japanese national team, as well as at the second level in Germany, from the role of number eight, he scored goals, assisted.

   “He also plays the penultimate pass. I really, really like him because we also like to dominate the game, we like to dominate possession and of course I also like players who are good on the ball, good with the ball and smart”

   Crucially, as with many of the new signings United have made this summer, Tanaka has impressed Farke.    His new manager says the midfielder considers it an honor to be in England and play for the Whites.

   “It’s also a big challenge and a big honor to move to England to a big club like Leeds United. He’s desperate to play for us but [it’s] a bit the same with Isaac [Schmidt]. He hasn’t played at the top level so far, at least not  for his club.

   “He is already experienced for his country, but he comes from the second level in Germany, so we will also give him some time to adapt to that. The first glimpses are promising, I must say.

   “I liked his first performance when he came on. I wouldn’t overdo it because the game was also clear. We were leading 2-0 and then everything was a bit easy, but even there he showed that he has a good selection  pass, good passing ability.

   “He’s a great character as well. I have to say he’s got a great sense of humour. I really like him. A good lad to have around, but right now it’s hard to predict he’s going to be the best midfielder in this league because he hasn’t played a minute yet  now.”

   Joe Rothwell, one of the earliest arrivals of the summer back on July 11th, nevertheless really made his mark on Leeds.    He will be Tanaka’s direct rival in the engine room and Farke mentioned the Bournemouth loanee on the occasion.

   “A lot of competition at that position for us,” he said.    “He hasn’t been in the limelight so much so far, but I’d also like to mention, in quite a similar position, Joe Rothwell, he hasn’t played a bad pass since I’ve been working with him.

   “I like his passing ability. I like what he’s doing, even in the preseason, just because of the competition we have in that position, with Ethan Ampadu, with Ilia Gruev, they’re top-notch, and with Joe, with Ao, now we’re  really, really good.”