German media reacts to Anton Stach developments at Leeds as World Cup spot mooted
Anton Stach has been fantastic for Leeds.
The midfielder joined the club from German outfit TSG Hoffenheim in a £17million deal last summer, and has shone in Daniel Farke’s midfield.
Scoring three times and registering three assists, the 27-year-old has been a mighty presence in the middle of the park, with Leeds fans eagerly awaiting his return after missing the last three matches through injury.
Stach has made two appearances for the German National Team, but has not touched the pitch at international level since Hansi Flick’s time in charge back in 2022.
An important cog as Leeds look to avoid relegation, German outlet Kicker have started the debate as to whether the midfielder should make the upcoming 2026 World Cup squad.
Kicker look at Anton Stach as potential World Cup debutant
Graduating from the academy at VfL Osnabrück, Stach spent his early days in the lower tiers of German football before joining Mainz in 2021, where he would pick up the form to gain a place in the Germany squad.
He would go on to make 68 appearances before moving to Hoffenheim in 2023, before he became a crucial cog in a squad battling for their Bundesliga survival in the 2024-25 season, just a year after the Sinsheim club secured European football.
On his time in South Germany, Kicker said: “He performed well, impressing with his physicality, technique and game intelligence – yes, attributes that are certainly useful in the best league in the world.”
Considering his large frame, Stach is surprisingly nimble, and his physical attributes make him incredibly versatile in a side likely to go without the ball for large periods.
This was exactly the case in Sinsheim last term, where he spent large parts of the season’s first half at centre-back.
“Leeds United, with coach Farke, brought him to the UK, where Stach immediately became a regular, scoring three goals and providing three assists after 26 matchdays,” added the outlet, before kickstarting the debate as to whether he should be part of Julian Nagelsmann’s this summer.
“Is Stach flying a little under the radar for you, and is he one for the World Cup squad?”
Following Toni Kroos’ retirement after Euro 2024, multiple German midfielders are looking to make their mark for the four-time World Champions – Stach is among these.
While the form of Angelo Stiller, Felix Nmecha and Alexandar Pavlovic could keep him out of the starting XI, Stach will likely be in a straight fight with RB Leipzig youngster Assan Ouedraogo, and Bayern pair Tom Bischof and Leon Goretzka for a place in the squad.
Anton Stach has been a fantastic signing for Leeds
While many would have argued that Leeds’ recruitment last summer was underwhelming, it has proved hugely beneficial in the fight for survival.
Leeds opted for ready-made players with experience at the top level, and alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor and more, Stach fits this mould perfectly.
A big physical presence in midfield, with fantastic feet and speed of thought alongside, the German has adapted to the Premier League like a duck to water.
As the Elland Road outfit look to further stabilise in the league, should they secure their safety this term, Stach is someone who will only grow in stature as the side improves around him.
With his return soon on the cards, he has the chance to impress further and force his way into Nagelsmann’s squad, as Germany look to lift their fifth World Cup.
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