Ao Tanaka, the crowd favorite, is vying for the October player of the month title in the Championship. Since joining Leeds United during the summer transfer window from Fortuna Dusseldorf of the Bundesliga, the midfield player has been one of the team’s most impressive players.
Tanaka played every minute of Leeds United’s undefeated October, thanks to injuries to Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu. He brought a steel with his tackling in front of the defense, endless energy, excellent game reading, and a pass-making eye. Even after Ampadu and Gruev rejoin the team, the Japan international will still face some opposition in the middle of the park.
Tanaka is competing for the award against Borja Sainz of Norwich City, Tom Cannon of Stoke City, and Rubin Colwill of Cardiff City. EFL chief executive Trevor Birch, Sky Sports EFL analyst Don Goodman, and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies make up the judging panel.
Another candidate for the manager’s category is Daniel Farke. The Whites earned nine points out of a possible fifteen in October to secure their place in the top six, despite their well-known midfield injury issues. At home against Sheffield United, they put on what was undoubtedly their greatest performance of the season, winning 2-0 thanks to goals from substitute Mateo Joseph and Pascal Struijk in the second half.
Farke’s team, which hosts Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, will compete for the award against Paul Heckingbottom of Preston North End, Regis Le Bris of Sunderland, and Omer Riza of Cardiff City. Tomorrow, the award winners will be revealed.
