Anton Stach wins over Julian Nagelsmann as Leeds United star gets Germany call
Anton Stach has been named in Julian Nagelsmann's Germany squad for this month's fixtures after impressing for Leeds United.
The 27-year-old earned the most recent of his two senior Germany caps in 2022 while at Bundesliga side Mainz 05.
Stach has been knocking on the door for a call-up and previously admitted to feeling frustrated at being overlooked, having not even been called up to a squad.
However, that has now changed as he was named in Nagelsmann's squad on Thursday for the friendlies with Switzerland and Ghana over the next fortnight.
It will no doubt be a major lift for Stach's confidence as Leeds prepare to take on Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
What did Julian Nagelsmann previously criticise Anton Stach for?
Nagelsmann was previously asked about his decision to overlook Stach, who has been impressing in a number of areas for Leeds.
Speaking to German outlet Kicker earlier this year, Nagelsmann said Stach is "not exceptionally strong in the air" and "not top in recoveries".
| Date | Opponent | Competition | Result | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Mar 2022 | Israel | Friendly | Germany 2–0 Israel | Sub (28 mins) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 29 Mar 2022 | Netherlands | Friendly | Netherlands 1–1 Germany | Sub (7 mins) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Nagelsmann added that Stach is a player who "prefers to have the game in front of him", suggesting he is being played out of position by Daniel Farke.
However, for all those public criticisms, Nagelsmann named the former Hoffenheim ace in his latest squad.
It is particularly good timing for Stach, given the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is now just three months away.
Germany make interesting call over Stach position
Germany, as they do pretty much every major international tournament, will head Stateside as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
And it is easy to see why when looking at the players Nagelsmann has available to choose from.
Interestingly, Stach has been named with the defenders, perhaps leaning into those previous comments made by Nagelsmann on his best position.
Whether it is in defence, midfield or even in front, Stach will not care one bit as long as he gets a chance to show what he is capable of.
Farke will have his fingers crossed one of his key men does not sustain an injury, but he will be as proud as anyone to see his name on this list.