Credit: Imago

James Barker

Wed 18 March 2026 7:10, UK

Anton Stach is second to Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes in the Premier League for key passes played per match this season, as his excellent Leeds United debut campaign continues.

Signed in a reported £17million deal from Hoffenheim in this season’s summer transfer window, Stach has been a revelation for Leeds in 2025-26.

The 27-year-old midfielder has arguably been the Whites’ standout player so far this term, contributing four goals and three assists from 25 Premier League appearances.

He’s seldom slipped below a seven out of 10 in any Leeds match this season, and the German’s impact in Daniel Farke’s team has been outlined in one aspect of his game in particular.

How Anton Stach and Bruno Fernandes compare for key passes

Leeds were heavily linked with Habib Diarra during the summer transfer window, but he eventually joined Sunderland in a reported £30m move.

As such, the Whites swooped for Stach instead, and they certainly won’t be having any regrets over that now, with the 22-year-old Senegalese midfielder struggling somewhat on Wearside this season.

Whether it’s as a six, eight, 10 or even out wide, Stach has been everywhere in Leeds’ midfield this term, barely putting a foot wrong and undoubtedly being one of the pound-for-pound signings of the Premier League season.

He’s excelled in numerous areas and brought a myriad of qualities to Leeds’ team, but in a clear display of his playmaking ability, Stach is only second to Man United’s midfield maestro Fernandes in key passes played per game this term.

Indeed, as per Sofascore, Fernandes leads the league with an average of 3.6 key passes played per 90, with Stach currently in second with an average of 2.2 respectively.

That puts him ahead of some truly elite players, with Everton’s Jack Grealish, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah all on 2.0 respectively.

Stach’s position in this list makes for even more impressive reading when you consider that a number of these players are forwards, whereas the Leeds man has for more defensive responsibilities.

Stach is well on his way to Leeds cult hero status already

So, it’s no surprise then to see Stach quickly evolve into a real fan favourite amongst the Elland Road faithful.

He’s set to command the Leeds midfield in the Premier League for many years to come, so long as Farke’s men avoid the drop this season, that is.

Whether it’s his industry, creative qualities, dead ball ability or his personality, there’s something about Stach for every Leeds fan to fall in love with.

Stach’s penchant for a screamer is also a key component for any player looking to become a cult hero with a fanbase, and the German has already started his collection of unforgettable strikes in a Leeds shirt.

Therefore, so long as Leeds remain a top-flight outfit in the coming years, Stach looks sure to leave an Elland Road legacy that places him among the very best midfielders in recent Whites memory.