AO Tanaka 'saved the world' as Leeds United nickname revealed after Farke's James Bond quip

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke hailed the 'outstanding' performance of Ao Tanaka in helping his side beat Watford and revealed the special nickname the squad have got for the Japanese international.

The 26-year-old midfielder may have had a slow introduction at Leeds following his summer move from Fortuna Dusseldorf, but he's found a new level in recent games and was again outstanding in the 2-1 victory over the Hornets at Elland Road. Tanaka's energy both with and without the ball set a tempo that helped carry Leeds to victory, bringing a result that moved the Whites to second in the league table, level on points with Sunderland, who have played a game less.

Speaking about Tanaka after he match, Farke couldn't hide his praise for the midfielder. Farke said; "He was outstanding today. Lads are doing some jokes about Tiger Tanaka - a Bond villain.

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"No, no he is James Bond. He saved the world today. Steel. Crucial and decisive duels. He was James Bond for us. He can keep going like this."

A Bond villain from the film You Only Live Twice, Tiger Tanaka may not be well known to many outside of the James Bond fan club, but with performances like the one against the Hornets, Ao Tanaka is certainly making his presence known in English football.