Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Sun 15 March 2026 11:10, UK

Anton Stach has shown that Leeds United made the right call in signing the German rather than the more expensive Habib Diarra.

In late July, Stach swapped Hoffenheim for Leeds for around £17million on a four-year deal.

Despite being linked with Diarra for much of the summer transfer window, the midfielder joined Sunderland for a fee worth up to £30m.

The former Strasbourg man may go on to be the better player as he is just 22 but for the time being, Stach has arguably been the more shrewd acquisition.

Sunderland are nine points ahead of Daniel Farke’s team in the Premier League table but Stach has done more for Leeds than Diarra has at Sunderland.

Anton Stach vs Habib Diarra

Leeds had multiple bids rejected for Diarra by Strasbourg last summer, before the Black Cats secured his signature.

There was a great deal of hype over the youngster when he joined, but so far, he has, arguably, underwhelmed at the Stadium of Light.

To date, he has scored three goals and added one assist in 15 games in all competitions, with a groin injury and an Africa Cup of Nations call-up checking his progress.

In the Premier League, the Senegal star has two goals to Stach’s four and the German’s three assists dwarf Diarra’s zero.

Diarra has picked up four bookings to Stach’s three, but has a better shot accuracy of 37.5 versus 26.7.

As this Sofascore graphic shows below, Stach has had an impressive season, with his Sofascore rating just above Diarra’s 6.72.

Both are central midfielders – although Stach has predominantly played a bit deeper, whereas Diarra has been deployed in a more advanced role – but their defensive contributions are worlds apart.

Diarra has made three interceptions in the Premier League all season, compared to Stach’s 16. Moreover, in tackles won, Stach is on 31, whereas Diarra is down at three.

Diarra is likely to have chalked up bigger numbers if he were utilised in a deeper-lying role, but all of this shows that Stach has outperformed his rival.

Sunderland fans won’t care, of course, particularly as they look set to stay in the Premier League for another season; plus, Diarra scored the winning penalty in their 1-0 win at Leeds earlier this month.

But for now, all roads lead to Stach in this personal battle.

Leeds face crucial period as relegation dogfight looms large

Despite Farke doing a good job at Leeds, particularly over the winter period, they are just three points above the relegation zone.

The Whites were able to keep the bottom three at arm’s length for months, but now they are in a relegation dogfight with Nottingham Forest, West Ham, and Tottenham.

Leeds have won just one of their last six league games, in addition to three defeats and two draws.

Next up, Leeds travel to a rejuvenated Crystal Palace, who beat Tottenham 3-1 last time out.

The Eagles did, however, play in the Conference League on Thursday and fielded a strong side in a 0-0 draw with Larnaca.

Oliver Glasner, who is leaving at the end of the season, may be prioritising more silverware this season after winning the FA Cup last term.

But the Austrian is still likely to field a side that is more than capable of beating Leeds on Sunday.

If Forest beat Fulham on Sunday and Leeds lose, Farke’s side will be just two points above the drop zone.

A win, though, would go a long way to securing survival.