Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka played 78 minutes as Japan were held to a 2-2 draw against Paraguay in an international friendly on Friday.
The 27-year-old was involved throughout the midfield battle in Osaka, making 68 touches and completing 49 passes. Tanaka also won six duels, made two clearances and two recoveries before being replaced by Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Shuto Machino late in the second half.
Miguel Almirón opened the scoring for Paraguay in the 20th minute, but Koki Ogawa levelled just six minutes later. Diego Gómez restored the visitors’ lead midway through the second half, before Ayase Ueda struck in stoppage time to ensure Japan earned a share of the spoils.
Tanaka and his teammates are next in action on Tuesday, when Japan host Brazil in Tokyo (11:30am BST).