I'm jealous of Japan! 6th active Premier Leaguer Birth National Army Commander Promoted to EPL with Leeds

Apr 22, 2025

I'm jealous of Japan! 6th active Premier Leaguer Birth National Army Commander Promoted to EPL with Leeds
사진=OPTA



I'm jealous of Japan! 6th active Premier Leaguer Birth National Army Commander Promoted to EPL with Leeds
사진=리즈
Next season, Japan will produce a new Premier Leaguer.

Leeds United won a 6-0 victory over Stoke City in the 44th round of the English Championship (second division) in the 2024-2025 season at Alland Road in Leeds, England on the 21st (Korea time). Leeds, which had 94 points, were confirmed to be promoted to the English Premier League (EPL) for the first time in two years as third-place Sheffield United lost the same round.

After confirming his promotion to the EPL, Leeds will finally return to the EPL after a long and dedicated effort on and off the field. Daniel Farke and his players have been exemplary throughout this season and deserve a name in Leeds history. We wouldn't be here without our great supporters. The EPL is where Leeds should be, and our aim is to establish a long-term presence there," he said, sending a congratulatory message to the team and fans.
I'm jealous of Japan! 6th active Premier Leaguer Birth National Army Commander Promoted to EPL with Leeds
사진=리즈
The promotion of Leeds caused a stir in Japan. This is because Tanaka Ao became the top contributor to Leeds promotion. Tanaka is a Japanese national midfielder born in 1998. He grew up in Kawasaki Frontale and moved to Fortuna Düsseldorf, which is in the second division of the German Bundesliga. After a good showing at Dusseldorf, he moved to Leeds this season.




After moving to Leeds, Tanaka became Leeds' midfield commander. He has four goals and two assists in 41 league games this season. As a central midfielder, he took on the role of designing the soccer that Farke wanted. Tanaka is said to have been one of the best central midfielders in the Championship this season.
I'm jealous of Japan! 6th active Premier Leaguer Birth National Army Commander Promoted to EPL with Leeds
사진=리즈
Since February, when Leeds' promotion began to become almost likely, Tanaka has been highly praised in the region to the point where it was mentioned that he should receive the Player of the Year award. Explaining how important Tanaka is in Leeds, the football statistics outlet OPTA previously said "Liz's best player can be a midfielder (Tanaka) who has contributed only 6% of his team's points. Leeds are playing football more efficiently than ever. Liz owes a lot to Tanaka, whom no one thought necessary" has been analyzed.

With the exception of Kaoru Mitoma, Tanaka is emerging as a new hope for Japan, with the Japanese national team players lacking performance in the EPL this season.

Tanaka has become an important player in the Japanese national team since 2021. He is also a member of the 2022 Qatar World Cup Round of 16. In recent years, he has been called by the Japanese national team and continues to play.




Reporter Kim Dae-sik rlaeotlr2024@sportschosun.com



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.