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“There’s a few good players, there’s a guy at Leeds he’s an unbelievable player”- Arsenal star Declan Rice raves about Leeds United man he’s buzzing to see in the Premier League
Arsenal’s Declan Rice Full of Praise for Leeds United Midfielder Ao Tanaka
Arsenal and England star Declan Rice has heaped praise on Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka, highlighting the Japanese international as a standout talent.
As Leeds prepare for a return to the Premier League, there’s no question that significant upgrades will be needed to compete at the highest level. However, one player who has already shown he’s up to the task is Ao Tanaka, who has looked Premier League-ready from the moment he stepped onto the pitch.
Tanaka made an immediate impression during his debut off the bench against Hull City, showcasing composure under pressure and technical quality that consistently outshone Championship competition throughout the season.
Leeds may have hoped to keep the extent of Tanaka’s talent under wraps, but his performances haven’t gone unnoticed — especially by Arsenal’s Declan Rice, one of the Premier League’s top midfielders.
“There are some really good players out there, and there’s this guy at Leeds who’s unbelievable,” Rice said. “He’s a top player. I’ve seen him play a few times — Championship games are on TV a lot, and Leeds are a huge club. It’s great to see them back in the Premier League.
“He’s been like their Player of the Season. He’s so energetic, so composed on the ball. Watching him, you can tell he’s got real quality.
“And if you look at Japan’s performances at the World Cup, they were really solid — a tough team to beat. Japanese football is really on the rise.”
Tanaka, signed for just £2.95 million, has been an incredible bargain for Leeds. With Premier League football now on the horizon, the 25-year-old looks more than ready to take on the challenge.
Given the glowing endorsement from a player of Rice’s stature, it’s clear Leeds United have a serious talent in their ranks — and Tanaka is poised to turn even more heads next season.
