Stuart Dallas highlights underrated Anton Stach quality at Leeds in Julian Nagelsmann rebuke
Leeds United star Anton Stach believes that his biggest strength is his anticipation.
Since swapping Hoffenheim for newly-promoted Leeds, Stach has proven he can handle himself in the Premier League.
From stunning long-range free-kick goals to putting in a shift for Daniel Farke‘s side all over the pitch, few would argue that he has not been a steal for Leeds at £17million.
In the Elland Road outfit’s bid to stay in the Premier League for another season, the 27-year-old has scored four goals and added three assists – a helpful return.
But just how good has Stach been for Leeds, and what is his main asset to a side who sit 15th in the division?
How important is Anton Stach to Leeds United?
On the latest episode of the Official Leeds United Podcast, the German, who is desperate to represent his country at this summer’s World Cup, was asked about the best parts of his game.
He said his anticipation, before adding: “How I can read the games, I can intercept the ball, read the passes, and how the game is and what we have to do.”
Former Leeds player Stuart Dallas concurred with Stach but felt his physicality was another underrated facet of his game.
He said: “I would agree with you but also your ability to carry the ball, I think that’s underrated. Your running power is also huge, especially with the way we play.”
And as this Sofascore graphic below shows, Stach has proven his worth for lowly Leeds this season.
Leeds fans raced to defend Stach this week after German national team boss Julian Nagelsmann said Stach is doing well at the Yorkshire side but he’s not exceptionally strong in the air and is not a top ball-winner, either.
Despite that assertion, journalist Kris Smith pointed out that Stach has a 62.3 per cent aerial success rate this season, is sixth among Premier League midfielders for goals and assists, and third for chance creation.
Moreover, he is in the top 10 in the division for distance covered per 90, which speaks to Dallas’ point, and he is fourth among Premier League midfielders for possession won in the final third.
Moreover, Stach ranks in the top 10 per cent of Premier League midfielders for chances created and in the top 15 per cent for shots attempted, defensive contributions, and aerial duels won. Not bad for £17m.
Leeds’ season thrown into jeopardy
For much of the winter, Leeds have impressed, while keeping the relegation zone at arm’s length.
However, their hugely disappointing 1-0 loss to Sunderland on Tuesday, coupled with West Ham’s win at Fulham a day later, has pulled Leeds back into the danger zone.
With nine games remaining, Farke’s side are just three points above the bottom three, sitting 15th in the Premier League table.
On Sunday, they take a break from league action when Leeds host Championship side and Farke’s former team Norwich City in round five of the FA Cup.
Victory over the Canaries may go some way to lifting the gloom around Elland Road but a defeat will lead many fans to fear they will get relegated in May.
Subsequent games against Crystal Palace and Brentford follow. If Leeds fall to defeats again there, then it may be panic stations as LS11.
For more on Leeds in their bid to stay in the Premier League, check out Football Insider.