The midfielder says Leeds have exceeded his expectations so far - but he is hungry for more

Ao Tanaka has admitted Leeds United’s start to the season has been better than he expected but is aware of the team’s winless run.

Leeds sit seventh after eight games, having accumulated 11 points. The Whites have lost just once yet have also only won twice, and not for four games.

United take on an in-form Bournemouth side who have won each of their last five games, including 3-0 wins over AC Milan in the Europa League and Manchester United last weekend. In this period, the Cherries have scored 13 goals and conceded none.

"This is a massive opponent," Tanaka told club media, ahead of Saturday's trip to the Vitality Stadium. "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."

Tanaka has started each of the last six Premier League games and has contributed to Leeds’ good start. After assisting Jayden Bogle’s opener in the 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, his deflected shot led to the opener in a 4-1 win over Newcastle United.

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Leeds have not won since that night under the Elland Road lights. Tanaka says the squad are hungry to keep their good start going but is aware this is easier said than done.

"I'm happy to be seventh - we aren't satisfied but it's a good start," Tanaka added. "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 [the start has been] better than I expected."

Tanaka has previously admitted he thought about the idea of a Leeds exit in January amid underwhelming form when in and out of the side before last Christmas.

He decided to bin that idea but then would fail to come off the bench for seven consecutive Premier League matches between the end of January and March. He eventually worked his way back into the side and began the final seven games of the campaign.

Tanaka, who suffered heartbreak at the World Cup when his giveaway led to Brazil’s stoppage-time knockout winner against Japan, says he knows his strengths and acknowledges he must showcase them the best he can to retain his starting spot.

"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 on the pitch. So now I feel like I could show my quality in every game.

"I feel I'm a different player, because I'm not strong. I'm not a physical player, but I feel like I have the 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."