The numbers that show why Anton Stach can have Raphinha-like impact at Leeds United
Leeds recorded a 1-0 victory over Everton to begin their Premier League season, and there were top performances all over the pitch.
Summer signing Lukas Nmecha scored on his debut after Leeds won a penalty for a James Tarkowski handball.
Several Leeds arrivals also made their debuts alongside Nmecha, with Gabriel Gudmundsson and Anton Stach also starting.
Stach and Ao Tanaka were both outstanding in the middle of the park, and while Leeds fans were already well aware of Tanaka’s quality, the new signing was arguably even more impressive.
Stach delivers complete midfield performance on Leeds debut
Stach was a driving force as he helped Leeds win the midfield battle against Everton, but he brought more than just brawn.
At 1.93 metres tall, Stach’s build is almost like that of a centre-back, and he provides both an aerial presence as well as being difficult to beat on the ground.
| Stat | Stach |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Passes (completed) | 59 (47) |
| Chances created | 4 |
| Shots (on target) | 4 (1) |
| Long balls (accurate) | 5 (4) |
| Ground duels (won) | 7 (3) |
However, despite being suited to a defensive game, Stach showed that he is also capable of providing a lot of quality in attack.
- Stach fired in four shots, one of which led to the penalty being awarded as it deflected towards Tarkowski.
- He also created four chances, more than any other player in the match.
- The 24-year-old also won 100% of his tackles, as an unbeatable force in the middle.
Stach’s performance was complete in both an attacking and defensive sense, and remarkably, it is perhaps the most well-rounded display from a Leeds player in the top flight since the days of Raphinha.
Stach can be Leeds’ new Raphinha
Stach was a true leader for Leeds against Everton, driving through with unrelenting force, while a lot of his side’s attacks flowed through him.
Although an entirely different style of player to Barcelona winger Raphinha, Stach could hope to have a similar impact at Leeds.
Stach’s performance broke a record held by Raphinha when it comes to combining chances created and shots, and this attacking display was one of the best by a Leeds player in the top flight in recent years.
Raphinha often carried Leeds on his back during their last spell in the Premier League, and Stach will hope to do the same to keep them in the top flight.
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