Josh Windass’ Bold Claim: Ao Tanaka Is Championship’s Best You’ve Overlooked
Sheffield Wednesday forward Josh Windass turned heads over the weekend when he named Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka as the standout opponent he faced in the Championship last season. During a casual Instagram Q&A, Windass didn’t hold back, describing Tanaka as a “clever player” and insisting he was the toughest challenge on the pitch.
Leeds snapped up Tanaka from Fortuna Düsseldorf for just £3.4 million last summer, and the Japanese international more than justified that bargain fee. Featuring in 43 league matches, he chipped in with five goals and three assists, quietly dictating play in the congested midfield areas where battles are won or lost.
In my view, Windass’ praise is no fluke. Tanaka’s ability to break lines with simple, incisive passes and cover acres of ground under the radar makes him a true unsung hero. If Leeds can retain that engine in the Premier League, they’ve got a genuine asset on their hands.
Stuart Dallas Issues Warning: Will Leeds Ever Keep Tanaka?
Leeds United’s promotion hero Stuart Dallas has raised eyebrows by predicting that Ao Tanaka might not stay at Elland Road for long. “He’s the best signing in the Championship this season,” Dallas admitted, “but I really do think even if we go up, we’ll struggle to hold onto him.”
Such candid remarks underline the harsh reality of modern football: standout players on modest fees rarely stay under the radar for long. Should Tanaka impress in the Premier League, top clubs hungry for midfield creativity will quickly queue up to test Leeds’ resolve.
Frankly, Leeds must act now to secure Tanaka’s future—be it through improved contracts or strategic squad building around him. Losing a player of his quality after one standout campaign would be a transfer-market misstep too big even Daniel Farke might struggle to rectify.
