Ao Tanaka has proven to be one of Leeds United’s best buys in recent years, but his performances mean Joe Rothwell isn’t receiving the recognition he deserves.
When Leeds lost Archie Gray and Glen Kamara for a combined £48.4 million in the summer, the 49ers had the funds to rebuild Daniel Farke’s midfield, but they faced a struggle to find better players.
They resorted to Joe Rothwell on loan and Ao Tanaka for just under £3 million, resulting in a cost-effective yet inspired transfer drama at Elland Road.
Joe Rothwell is proven to be one of the championship’s top passers.
Leeds‘ Japan international has been a revelation this season, appearing to be at ease in the top half of the Premier League, let alone stepping up from the 2.Bundesliga to the Championship.
However, Tanaka‘s excellence has meant that his midfield partner Rothwell has not yet received the same level of plaudits.
The supporters like the Bournemouth loanee, as evidenced by his standing ovation from all corners of Elland Road when he was substituted on Wednesday, but the statistics portray a picture of a player who is even better than his reputation suggests.
Rothwell flying under the radar on Leeds loan; he’s been superb.
When he joined, there was little hoopla because it was a loan and not viewed as a particularly ambitious agreement.
Nonetheless, he has always been a top-tier Championship midfielder, as seen by his performances at Blackburn and on loan at Southampton last season.
It’s unclear whether this will lead to a permanent move for him, but there are very few midfielders in this league who are currently performing better than the 30-year-old.
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