Troy Deeney urges Leeds to ‘be careful’ despite what Anton Stach did vs Aston Villa
Leeds United midfielder Anton Stach scored a stunning free-kick in the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The German caught everybody off guard when he curled an effort into the top corner from miles away at Villa Park, leaving Emi Martinez with no chance.
That has seen a wider Premier League audience stand up and take notice of the 27-year-old, who has been largely excellent this campaign.
Troy Deeney has singled Stach out for individual praise in his BBC Sport Team of the Week, but believes throwing away late goals is becoming a problem for Daniel Farke.
He said: “I thought Leeds might falter and fall away. I think they have to be careful with these draws, but he was a really good performer against Aston Villa – and that free-kick he scored against a World-Cup winning goalkeeper in Emi Martinez means he goes in my team.”
Anton Stach was on top form vs Aston Villa
He may have scored a worldie goal at Villa Park, but the summer signing was about much more than that in the middle of the park.
The ex-Hoffenheim man featured across 83 minutes and put in a top shift, covering plenty of ground, particularly down the right-hand side.
In that time, he obviously got on the scoresheet, but also created two chances and saw another two shots blocked by the Villans.
His defensive work rate wasn’t lacking either, as the German chipped in with 11 defensive actions, including two clearances and two interceptions.
To further enhance his showing, Stach won two duels and was fouled once, as he put in a shift before the Whites ultimately conceded after he left the pitch.
Stach could attract transfer interest this summer
Deeney is right in what he is saying with Leeds constantly conceding late goals, something that is a problem in LS11.
That isn’t helped by the away form, which is threatening to drag the Whites down after a hugely positive campaign in the Premier League.
If they can avoid relegation, next season will be interesting, but someone like Stach may be keen to take their opportunity to play further up the table.
He proved against Villa that he can kick it at a higher level and managed to make light of third-place Villa with a stellar showing.
If Farke can’t maintain a level of consistency and have Leeds fighting at a higher level, there is every chance that the 27-year-old sees his future elsewhere.
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