Anton Stach exit fears grow stronger at Leeds United, stats showcase his importance
Anton Stach has been crucial to the success Leeds have achieved this season.
Leeds United are on course to achieve survival in the Premier League, and if history is anything to go by, they may only need three wins from their last 11 games to secure it.
Several players have contributed to that success, including the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Joe Rodon, but Stach has been at the very top of that list in terms of influence.
The German has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season, but come the summer transfer window, that could come at a cost.
European teams will be sniffing around for Anton Stach
Jaka Bijol has already been linked with an exit from Leeds, and that is the harsh reality of the Premier League when a newly-promoted team finds success.
If Stach keeps up his form, he will be the next player linked with an exit from Elland Road, but his stats from the campaign demonstrate just how detrimental that would be for the Whites.
First and foremost, the German maestro has created 46 chances in the Premier League this season, which is a stat bettered by just 3.5 per cent of midfielders in the top flight.
From those 46 chances, seven of them have been deemed as big chances, with Stach having also registered three assists.
Only four players have created more chances than Stach this season, showcasing just how impressive those stats really are.
But his game goes far beyond creativity, with his defensive work often going unnoticed.
Stach has won a remarkable 108 duels this season, completed 45 tackles and 39 clearances, which again places him in the top 20 per cent of midfielders in the Premier League.
He is an integral component of this Leeds team, and his impact will only grow into the next campaign.
Leeds United must protect Premier League status, here’s how
When teams come up from the Championship and succeed, they often fall into the trap of selling their players for profit and looking to reinvest it.
And while that can work, as it has done for the likes of Brighton, it can also massively hinder their ability to retain their status in the top flight.
Stach is Leeds’ indispensable, and allowing him to leave would completely disrupt their style of play, not just going forward, but also defensively.
There will be players that move on in the summer, and possibly some of those who only arrived this season, but Stach’s importance makes it clear that he cannot be one of those afforded to leave.
For even more Leeds United news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.