German media state what Leeds fans already knew about Anton Stach after World Cup horror show
Anton Stach was forced to watch the 2026 World Cup from home, despite his impressive campaign with Leeds United.
The midfielder excelled for the Whites in the Premier League, yet that was not done enough to make Julian Nagelsmann's squad.
Now-former Germany manager Nagelsmann had previously been critical of a few of Stach's qualities, but he did call him up back in March, handing hope to the LS11 star.
In the end, that hope was dashed, but it may be a decision Nagelsmann will come to regret.
As Germany unceremoniously crashed out of the World Cup in the round of 32 against Paraguay, Stach could have been a difference maker.
And German media appear to feel the same as the European nation's early exit has began to be analysed.
Why Anton Stach could have been Germany difference maker
Stach is a physical midfielder, with his 6'4" frame helping Leeds win those battles in the centre of the pitch.
And when Germany came up against Paraguay, they perhaps faced one of the more physical sides in the tournament.
The absence of Stach has now been noted in the aftermath of Die Mannschaft's exit.
German publication WAZ, in their print edition on Monday, have now pinpointed the Whites star as someone who could have offered the national team a key trait.
They state: "Anton Stach brings the robustness to the defensive midfield that Germany so sorely lacked at the World Cup."
It goes without saying that Leeds fans were already fully aware of what Stach could provide to his national team if selected.
Although he was left out, Stach would still have been hoping for his nation to go all the way.
However, following the shock defeat, plenty of changes are underway in the Germany camp, with Nagelsmann officially stepping down.
What is next for Stach and Germany?
Jurgen Klopp is set to take over at Germany and Stach could benefit, but for now, the Leeds star will simply want to put his head down and avoid more international disappointment.
Performing at the domestic level is likely the only way Stach will work his way into the European nation's plans.
At 27 years old, there will not be many tournaments left for the Leeds United star.
The likelihood is that he has only one more World Cup to push for (2030), as in 2034 he will be 35 - although there is a chance he could still make that competition.
However, he could have two European championships to fight for a place. The 2028 edition will see Stach at 29 years old, still a peak age for a midfielder.
In 2032 he will be 33 - still a decent age for the Leeds star for selection, especially if he is chosen as one of the veteran picks for the squads camp.
Overall, while the outcome of Germany's World Cup is not what Stach would have wanted, it may turn out to be the best thing for his international career.