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“He’s most the TERRIFIC and CLINICAL Leeds player i’ve ever come across”- Sheffield Wednesday Championship veteran Josh Windass admits Leeds United star was the best he played against in 24/25
Josh Windass Hails Leeds United Star as Championship’s Best Opponent
Over the weekend, Sheffield Wednesday striker Josh Windass held a Q&A session on Instagram, where he had high praise for one standout Leeds United player.
Leeds United have now secured promotion back to the Premier League under Daniel Farke, leaving the Owls behind in the Championship.
It wasn’t a straightforward journey, but Farke stayed true to his word, guiding Leeds to the Championship title – edging out second-place Burnley on goal difference.
With promotion secured, attention now shifts to the summer transfer window, which opens on June 1st.
A number of potential signings have already been linked to Elland Road, but Farke is also expected to rely heavily on his current squad to step up to Premier League standards.
Among the experienced names like Jayden Bogle and Ethan Ampadu, there are also emerging stars who may not have top-flight experience but look capable of making the leap. One of those players is Ao Tanaka.
Windass: Tanaka the Toughest Opponent in the Championship
Tanaka, who joined Leeds from Fortuna Düsseldorf for £3.4 million last summer, has proven to be one of the club’s most impactful signings in recent years. The Japanese midfielder made 43 league appearances, scoring five goals and adding three assists.
When asked during his Q&A who the best player he faced in the Championship this season was, Windass replied: “Probably Tanaka. Clever player.”
Leeds fans have echoed that sentiment all season. Tanaka’s intelligence and sharp movement in midfield have often drawn praise, even if his contributions fly under the radar due to his role in the most congested part of the pitch.
Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford has even remarked that Tanaka’s subtle influence can be easy to overlook.
Concerns Growing About Tanaka’s Long-Term Future at Leeds
Looking ahead, Tanaka is expected to play a key role in Leeds’ return to the Premier League.
At 26, he’s entering his prime, and Daniel Farke is likely to build parts of his squad around the dynamic midfielder.
However, his performances could attract outside interest. Earlier this year, former Leeds player Stuart Dallas warned that keeping Tanaka might be a challenge.
“He’s been the best signing in the Championship this season – just incredible,” Dallas said. “He’s ideal for Leeds’ style of play. Even if they go up, it might be hard to hold onto him.”
Should interest emerge, Leeds would be in a strong position financially. Any future sale could net the club a substantial profit on their original £3.4 million investment.
For now though, there are no signs that Tanaka is going anywhere – and fans will be eager to see how he fares in the Premier League.
