Julian Nagelsmann has big Anton Stach decision to make – he may have no choice
Anton Stach is continuing to impress for Leeds United, and he may leave Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann with no choice other than to take him to the World Cup.
The midfielder netted his fourth goal of the season upon his return from injury on Saturday, with his audacious first-half free-kick catching out Emiliano Martinez in Leeds‘ 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.
Daniel Farke’s side sit 15th in the Premier League, six points clear of the drop zone. Alongside others, Stach’s arrival has provided quality in abundance as Leeds look to secure their top-flight status following their ascent last May
German outlet Kicker recently started the debate as to whether Stach is going under the radar ahead of the World Cup, and after his recent performances, he could be making Nagelsmann’s decision much more straightforward.
The 27-year-old has appeared twice at international level, though he has not featured since Hansi Flick’s tenure in 2022.
Why Anton Stach’s seamless adaptation has been huge for Leeds
Joining the club from Hoffenheim last summer, Stach has adapted seamlessly since his move to the Premier League.
On his time in South Germany, Kicker said: “He performed well, impressing with his physicality, technique and game intelligence – yes, attributes that are certainly useful in the best league in the world.”
And it is those attributes that have seen him become one of the first names on the teamsheet at Elland Road.
With 108 ground duels won, alongside 64 per cent of his aerial duels, Stach’s large frame has seen him adapt to the physical nature of the league perfectly, further exacerbated by the fact he is operating in a side expecting to have less possession than their opponent regularly.
But to go with, his abilities on the ball are second to none, and the trust placed upon him by Farke has seen him allowed to pick up pockets in and around the penalty area – registering 42 touches in the opponent’s box, while his remarkable 46 chances created are only bettered by some of the league’s heavyweights.
Premier League most chances created 2025-26:
- Bruno Fernandes – 78
- Declan Rice – 51
- Dominik Szoboszlai – 49
- Bukayo Saka – 46
- Anton Stach – 46
As a midfielder, Stach is all-action, and Nagelsmann simply won’t be able to ignore this for much longer as Germany look to lift their fifth World Cup this summer.
Anton Stach has unique attributes that Julian Nagelsmann can’t ignore
Following Toni Kroos’ Euro 2024 retirement, the competition to become the future of Germany’s midfield has been rife.
Captain Joshua Kimmich has often rotated between right-back and midfield, with the likelihood being that the Bayern man operates in a back-four at the World Cup.
Bayern’s Aleksandar Pavlovic has continued to grow in stature, as have Angelo Stiller and Felix Nmecha. But neither can boast the all-action ability to the same scale as Stach.
The likelihood is that one of the aforementioned trio will start alongside Pavlovic, who has starred at the base of Bayern’s midfield.
Assan Ouedraogo and Tom Bischof can also be considered as in contention, but the likelihood of becoming guaranteed international starters at 19 and 20 can be considered low.
Stach may not be the first name on the teamsheet come the summer, but he simply cannot be ignored.
Comfortable on the ball, with immense physical attributes, he is a great link between the lines, allowing the mercurial talents of Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala to operate further forward.
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