'Not a top-ball winner' - Leeds United's Anton Stach dealt World Cup blow as Germany boss delivers assessment
Leeds United star Anton Stach’s hopes of representing Germany at the World Cup this summer have been dented by a rather frank assessment of his profile.
The 27-year-old was capped twice by his country in 2022, making appearances against Israel and Germany.
However, the midfielder has not been able to add to his collection and is still waiting for his first outing under Julian Nagelsmann following his appointment as manager in 2023.
Stach made the move to Leeds last summer, sealing a £17m move from Hoffenheim, but his Premier League exploits have not yet landed him a recall.
Germany manager’s assessment
He seemingly faces an uphill battle, as Nagelsmann has picked holes in Stach’s profile as a player.
As reported by Kicker, the Germany boss said: “He’s doing well there, but he’s not exceptionally strong in the air and not a top ball-winner either. He’s also someone who prefers to have the game in front of him.
“In my view, his best position at Hoffenheim was the central role in a back three, from where he could drop into the number six position.”
Leeds United fans left surprised
The comment regarding his ball-winning have left Leeds fans puzzled given Stach has been effective at breaking up play and winning aerial duels this term.
Talk of Stach being better-suited to a deeper role is also somewhat surprising, as the midfielder has impressed with his offensive output in a more advanced role under Daniel Farke.
Nagelsmann said: “There will be decisions - I can already reveal that now - which probably will not meet with great understanding.
“Not from the player, but also not from the wider public. Because perhaps a player who is not planned to be in our starting XI is a regular starter and key performer at his club.”
Stach has made 25 appearances across all competitions for Leeds this season, scoring four goals and registering three assists. His most recent goal was a stunning free-kick in Leeds’ 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.