Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Fri 20 March 2026 14:00, UK

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Anton Stach has been unfairly criticised by Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann during his first season at Leeds United.

Despite notching four goals and three assists in 25 Premier League games, Nagelsmann refused to speak highly of the 27-year-old, all while infuriating the Elland Road fanbase in the process.

In an interview with Kicker, he 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 No 6 position,” but he will be in midfield when Leeds face Brentford next.

Anton Stach has quietly proven Julian Nagelsmann wrong

Instantly proving Nagelsmann wrong, in the Premier League this season, Stach ranks in the 86th percentile for aerial duels won and also the 85th percentile for tackles at Leeds [FotMob].

Nagelsmann may have learned from his errors and realised that Stach is so much better than he first realised, but either way, it is going to be an awkward encounter at the Germany base.

In addition to his obvious defensive abilities, the German ranks joint-second for the most goal contributions at Elland Road, alongside Brenden Aaronson and Lukas Nmecha.

Stach also has a sublime free-kick in his locker, unleashing this against Aston Villa, Wolves and Crystal Palace, all of which helped the team to earn precious points in the bid for Premier League safety.

Which other Leeds United stars earned international call-ups?

Last being called up for England duty in 2020, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has grabbed the attention of Thomas Tuchel, rightfully being given a slot in the latest squad.

Unsurprisingly, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Dan James and Karl Darlow are all part of Craig Bellamy’s latest squad, while Brenden Aaronson is set to join up with Mauricio Pochettino and the USA team.

Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev are all likely to be involved during the international break, while Noah Okafor appears to have impressed enough to play for Switzerland.

It has been an incredible second-half to the Premier League season for the Whites so far, and all of these players deserve to be recognised for their performances.