Estimated market value (beta)
Overview
Weighted average of attribute scores for this role, position-adjusted. Standout attributes count more than weaknesses.
Attributes (grouped)
Mobility
Quick over short distances to break lines with driving runs from midfield. (conf 0.65)
Not a burner but keeps pace with transitions in a box-to-box role. (conf 0.6)
Nimble in tight midfield areas, able to turn away from pressure. (conf 0.65)
Covers huge ground box-to-box across 90 minutes, a defining trait since his Gladbach days. (conf 0.75)
Control
Clean touch under pressure lets him retain possession in congested central areas. (conf 0.65)
Comfortable carrying the ball forward but not a primary dribbler out wide. (conf 0.6)
Uses body well to protect the ball against Bundesliga and now Premier League pressing. (conf 0.6)
Capable of hitting clean long-range efforts, has scored from distance in the Bundesliga. (conf 0.6)
Distribution
Reliable tempo-setter with crisp combination passing in central midfield. (conf 0.7)
Switches play competently though not his standout attribute. (conf 0.6)
Limited crossing output given his central rather than wide role. (conf 0.5)
Good awareness to find late runners and progress attacks through the middle. (conf 0.65)
Chance threat
Chips in occasional goals from midfield runs rather than a natural poacher. (conf 0.55)
Picks sensible moments to shoot from range without forcing efforts often. (conf 0.55)
Times late arrivals into the box well, a source of several Gladbach goals. (conf 0.6)
Not a regular set-piece taker, limited direct free-kick output. (conf 0.45)
Duels
Modest aerial presence typical of a technical central midfielder his size. (conf 0.5)
Competes well in midfield battles with good balance and timing of tackles. (conf 0.55)
Defense
High-energy presser central to his reputation as a tireless engine. (conf 0.7)
Reads passing lanes well to intercept and disrupt opposition build-up. (conf 0.6)
Disciplined shape awareness gained from double-pivot experience in Germany. (conf 0.6)
Mental
Keeps calm under pressure in possession, rarely panics in tight areas. (conf 0.65)
Generally makes the sound simple pass, minimising turnovers in transition. (conf 0.65)
Renowned for relentless running and two-way effort across a full match. (conf 0.75)
Resilience
Has been a fairly consistent availability player through his European career. (conf 0.55)
Outlook
Mid-to-late twenties into prime, adapting to a new Premier League challenge. (conf 0.55)
Well known Japan international and Bundesliga stalwart, growing recognition after his Leeds move. (conf 0.6)
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Scouting Report & Player Insights
Ao Tanaka is a hard-working Japanese box-to-box midfielder known for his stamina, pressing intensity, and composed passing through the middle of the pitch. He built his reputation with Fortuna Düsseldorf and Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga before moving to Leeds United ahead of their return to the Premier League. A regular for the Japan national team, Tanaka combines tireless off-ball running with a tidy, low-risk passing game that helps his side control tempo.
Long-time member of the Japan national team midfield, featuring at multiple international tournaments.
Moved to Leeds United as the club returned to the Premier League.