Paul Scholes says he has a ‘new favourite footballer’ after watching Leeds United vs Newcastle United

Paul Scholes says he has a ‘new favourite footballer’ after watching Leeds United vs Newcastle United

Paul Scholes has revealed that he has a “new favourite footballer” after watching Leeds United take on Newcastle United, with the Manchester United legend singling out Ao Tanaka following the Japanese midfielder’s impressive performance.

Scholes, known for his extremely high standards and brutally honest football analysis, was clearly impressed by what Tanaka brought to the game. The former Manchester United and England midfielder has now admitted that the Leeds star has become his “new favourite footballer” — a huge compliment coming from someone who spent his career playing alongside some of the finest midfielders in world football.

Tanaka has quickly established himself as an important figure in the Leeds midfield, and his performance against Newcastle showcased many of the qualities that have made him such a popular player among supporters.

The Japan international was composed in possession, worked tirelessly without the ball and showed the intelligence to find space and make himself available when Leeds needed an outlet. His ability to keep the ball moving while also contributing defensively was particularly noticeable.

Those are precisely the types of qualities Scholes has traditionally valued in midfielders.

The former Manchester United star was one of the finest passers and most intelligent midfielders of his generation, meaning his admiration for Tanaka is unlikely to be based simply on one spectacular moment. Instead, it appears to be the overall style and footballing intelligence of the Leeds midfielder that has caught his attention.

Calling Tanaka his “new favourite footballer” is therefore a remarkable endorsement.

For Leeds supporters, Scholes’ comments will be particularly pleasing. Tanaka has become an increasingly influential player at Elland Road, and recognition from a Premier League legend adds another layer to his growing reputation.

The midfielder’s calm personality and disciplined approach also make him an ideal fit for a Leeds side looking to establish itself at the highest level.

Scholes’ verdict has inevitably generated excitement among Leeds fans, with many supporters agreeing that Tanaka’s performances deserve greater recognition.

While one performance does not define a player, having someone with Scholes’ footballing pedigree publicly identify Tanaka as his new favourite is certainly significant.

For the Leeds midfielder, the challenge now is to continue producing performances that justify such enormous praise.

But after watching Tanaka against Newcastle, Scholes appears to have seen enough.

Ao Tanaka has officially become Paul Scholes’ “new favourite footballer” — and Leeds fans will certainly have no complaints about that.