Ao Tanaka: 'This is a massive game' - Leeds United midfielder relishing Bournemouth challenge

Ao Tanaka believes Leeds United face a 'massive opponent' when they travel to the south coast to face Bournemouth on Saturday, with the Japanese international under no illusions about the challenge awaiting Daniel Farke's side.

The Whites head to the Vitality Stadium looking to return to winning ways after going four Premier League matches without a victory, although their opponents represent a significant test following an impressive start to the campaign.

Bournemouth have continued their upward trajectory under Andoni Iraola, having secured a top-six finish last season and established themselves as an increasingly competitive presence in the Premier League.

Tanaka recognises the quality within the Cherries' squad and believes Leeds will need to be at their best to take anything from the encounter.

"This is a massive opponent," Tanaka exclusively told Premier League Studios. "This is a massive challenge. Bournemouth is such a good team, especially recently, the results have been so good.

"And it's a massive game for us as well, because we didn't win four games. So we want to win the game. So this is a massive game, massive opponent.

"[They are] a bit different than last season, because they changed the manager. But still, they have quality players, quality tactics. So I'm looking forward to playing against them."

While Bournemouth have enjoyed considerable progress in recent seasons, Leeds are also beginning to find their feet back in the top flight.

The Whites have made an encouraging start to life following promotion, with seventh place after eight matches representing a positive early return for Farke's side.

Tanaka is pleased with the position Leeds find themselves in, although the midfielder insists there is no danger of the squad becoming complacent about their achievements so far.

"I'm happy to be seventh - we aren't satisfied but it's a good start," he explained.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world so we know how difficult it is to get a point in every game but I feel better [the start has been] than I expected."

Leeds were unable to find a breakthrough in their most recent outing, playing out a goalless draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

While Tanaka acknowledged that the Whites perhaps did not do enough to deserve all three points, he believes the result still represented a valuable contribution to their season.

The midfielder has also become an increasingly important figure in Farke's plans, making six consecutive Premier League starts this season after finding regular opportunities harder to come by during his debut campaign in England.

With competition for places particularly strong in the middle of the park, Tanaka understands the importance of maintaining his standards in training and translating those performances onto the pitch.

"Of course, every player wants to play every game," he said. "And we have such a good squad, so it's not easy to play every game. Starting and coming on as well. But for me, I have to show quality in training, on the pitch, and in the game.

"I didn't play the first game at the beginning of the season, but I know what I need to do in the pitch. So now I feel like I could show my quality every game."

The Japanese international also offered an insight into the qualities he believes make him different from some of the more physically imposing midfielders competing in the Premier League.

Physicality has become an increasingly important part of the modern game, particularly in the intensity of English football, but Tanaka is confident his technical ability and understanding of the game can make a difference for Leeds.

"I feel I'm a different player, because I'm not strong. I'm not a physical player, but I feel like I have ability to control the ball and tactics as well. This is what we need. So that's why I have to show my quality every game."

At 28, Tanaka is now enjoying something he once struggled to imagine when watching the Premier League as a youngster in Japan.

Having worked his way into the Leeds starting XI, the midfielder is grateful for the opportunity to represent the club and compete in the division he grew up dreaming about.

"Everyone plays in the Premier League because it's the best league in the world," he reflected.

"And we know how difficult it is to come to the Premier League. So when I was younger, I watched so many games. And then, still, I couldn't believe I could play in the Premier League, to be honest, because it was my dream.

"I couldn't imagine I would play in England when I was young. But now I play in England, and I'm so happy to play in this club."

With Leeds searching for a return to winning ways and Tanaka continuing to establish himself as a regular in Farke's midfield, Saturday's meeting provides another opportunity for the Japanese international to demonstrate his importance to the Whites.