International boss takes massive decision with Leeds United star ahead of huge test
An international boss has taken a big decision on a Leeds United star.
Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has made a massive call with Leeds United star Ao Tanaka ahead of a huge test.
Tanaka was one of four Leeds players named in their country’s squads for this summer’s World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico along with Brenden Aaronson (USA), Gabi Gudmundsson (Sweden) and Noah Okafor (Switzerland).
Tanaka was named on the bench for his side’s Group stage opener against Netherlands and remained an unused substitute in a 2-2 draw but the Leeds midfielder played the full duration of the two games that followed as Japan qualified for the last 32.
Tanaka impressed in both the 4-0 thrashing of Tunisia and 1-1 draw against Sweden as his side sealed a second-placed finish in Group F to set up a mouth-watering last 32 clash against Brazil.
Japan face Brazil in a 6pm kick-off at Houston Stadium tonight and Moriyasu has made a huge call on Tanaka by dropping the Leeds star back to the bench.