29 Jun 2026 20:06:03
What is it with Leeds United players in major tournaments?
Tanaka absolutely shocking when he came on and responsible for Brazil's winner. Gotta feel for the guy.

1.) 29 Jun 2026
29 Jun 2026 20:23:15
A real knock to his confidence, losing the ball in the build up to the winner.

2.) 29 Jun 2026
29 Jun 2026 20:35:22
Not sure he was shocking, Corkey. It was a high tempo game, and it takes time to get up to speed. He lost the ball, but to be fair, Japan spent the second half giving the ball away. Brazil were going to score at some point, be it in normal time or extra time.

He was the man of the match v Sweden.

3.) 29 Jun 2026
29 Jun 2026 21:14:35
He was also MOTM v Tunisia.

4.) 29 Jun 2026
29 Jun 2026 21:18:37
Ani, I'm a big Ao fan, but he was poor in his 20 minute appearance. He gave the ball away four times, and the final time cost his country the match. Don't get you mentioning the Sweden game, as tonight's game is the conversation. I don't wish to sound heartless, but his tears after the match showed a lack of character and confidence.

5.) 29 Jun 2026
29 Jun 2026 21:55:30
Corkey, I must have missed all the posts seconds after the Sweden game praising Leeds players at major tournaments, given how well he played.

Likewise Gudmunson's excellent first game.

They have an off day or make a mistake, and folks are falling over themselves to post about it.



I'm sure he feels terrible, but he shouldn't feel any worse than the four statues watching Martinelli put the ball in the net.

6.) 29 Jun 2026
29 Jun 2026 21:28:49
Corkey, did AO do something to you in a previous life. Give the lad a break. There have been worse plays from worse players during our regular season and you don't jump on them as hard

They all cry now. They all are astonished when they miss, and they all roll around the ground when they get touched anywhere near their head - state of the times, bring back '70s footie when men played the game.

7.) 29 Jun 2026
29 Jun 2026 22:40:26
Ani, I haven't got a clue what you are talking about.
Ian Harte, David Batty and Gary Mac, previous Leeds players who have effed up at tournament finals, and now Tanaka. Maybe I should have been clearer with my point?

8.) 30 Jun 2026
30 Jun 2026 08:17:21
Thing with Tanaka is, he always seems to struggle to get to the pace of a game when he comes on as a sub. He's way better starting games. I'm sure last night will have set him back a lot, he's already said he struggled mentally last season.

Personally, I'd cash in while his stock is quite high; there are lots of that profile of player out there. Don't get me wrong, I like AO and rate him, but given his high PSR potential and all this, I'd sell for £25/30m.

9.) 30 Jun 2026
30 Jun 2026 11:38:14
AO is better in slower games where he has more time and space. He is also better suited to an attacking role - he isn't a DM. At the end of the day, I love him to bits, but he does lack the quality to get to the very top, which is why Daniel Farke prefers others.