Gruev Shines in Leeds Victory, Casting Doubt on Tanaka’s Future
Ilia Gruev delivered a masterclass performance to lead Leeds United to a vital 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Friday. The Bulgarian midfielder has become a cornerstone of Daniel Farke’s tactical setup, repaying his manager’s trust with a dominant display against the Reds.
Gruev’s Near-Perfect Performance
The 25-year-old was the architect of Leeds’ success, posting statistics that highlighted his efficiency and vision:
- Playmaking: Notched two crucial assists.
- Precision: Completed 98% of his passes (44/45).
- Impact: Controlled the tempo in a high-stakes “must-win” match that moved Leeds further away from the relegation scrap.
The “Tanaka Problem”
While Gruev’s rise is a blessing for Leeds, it creates a significant dilemma regarding Ao Tanaka. The Japanese international, who was instrumental in the club’s promotion last season, now finds himself on the periphery.
The Current Situation:
- Lack of Minutes: Tanaka has played just 45 minutes across the last seven Premier League games and remained an unused substitute in the last two.
- Transfer Interest: Turkish giants Galatasaray were linked with Tanaka in January; his lack of playing time could see that interest reignite this summer if he remains behind Gruev and Ethan Ampadu in the pecking order.
A Test of Patience
Despite his current struggles with consistency at the top flight, Tanaka is still viewed as a “Rolls-Royce” midfielder when at his peak. For Leeds to avoid losing a player of his caliber, the club faces a delicate balancing act:
- Maintaining Morale: Farke must convince Tanaka that he remains part of the long-term plan.
- Seizing Opportunities: With the season entering its “business end,” rotation will be necessary, and Tanaka must be ready to capitalize on any opening.
- Stability: While the Gruev-Ampadu partnership is currently undroppable, the club is urged to keep faith in the £3.3m former Fortuna Dusseldorf man to prevent him from forcing an exit.
