According to Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka have recently shown “very impressive” play. In recent weeks, the two have filled in for Daniel Farke’s team and have drawn attention on the park.
Ampadu is still not playing for the Whites, but he has seen how well the two have performed in his place. When he is well again, he may have to fight to return to the starting lineup.
In an interview with the BBC, Leeds’ captain stated: “They have been very impressive.” In any case, the players and staff were all aware of their excellence. Perhaps they haven’t got the minutes they’d like in the past. They are currently doing that and succeeding as a result. It’s lovely to observe.
In their own ways, they are supporting the squad. It is a good thing. Both of them have performed admirably in every game, and as I mentioned before, we players and staff are accustomed to seeing them perform thus every day.
In the most recent transfer window, Leeds pounced to add 26-year-old Tanaka to their roster. After moving from Fortuna Dusseldorf in Bundesliga.2 to England, he has settled in nicely to life in the Championship.
To date, the Japan international has made 12 appearances for the Whites. After joining Dusseldorf as a young player from Kawasaki Frontale in his own country, he had already made 95 appearances and contributed 10 goals in the German second division.
“I’m very happy right now.”
“I’m really happy to get this award on a personal level, but the most important thing to me is that we get the three points in every game,” he stated after being chosen as the October JD Sports Player of the Month by Leeds supporters.
“I am incredibly grateful to my teammates and coaching staff, who have been there for me ever since I arrived and never stop supporting me. They are the reason I was able to receive this award, and I sincerely appreciate their advice.”
He continued: “They’ve (the supporters) been great and I want to score a goal as soon as possible for them.”
Regarding Rothwell, he has improved the calibre of the Whites’ team. He has a lot of experience and is familiar with the league. The 29-year-old has made 16 appearances thus far, 15 of which have been in the Premier League while on loan from AFC Bournemouth. He played with Southampton for the second half of the previous season, scoring four goals in 20 games as the Saints advanced to the Premier League.
Prior to joining the Cherries in 2022, Rothwell played for Oxford United and Blackburn Rovers. He has been loaned away twice since joining them, though, because he hasn’t been able to establish a consistent spot in their squad. Last time out, Leeds defeated QPR 2-0 at home. On November 23, they return to action away at Swansea City.
