Leeds critics are wrong for taking aim at Anton Stach, he leads team for crucial stat

Leeds United fans and critics have begun to show a little frustration towards midfielder Anton Stach in recent weeks.

The German was one of the Whites' most impressive buys last season and played a major role in them ultimately finishing well clear of the relegation zone.

The 27-year-old quickly made his £17.4million move from Hoffenheim look like a bargain, as he ended the campaign with five goals and three assists in the Premier League.

However, by his lofty standards, Stach has struggled for form in the early stages of the new campaign, but that hasn't stopped Daniel Farke from trusting him to start in every game.

That has frustrated some Leeds fans, who feel that Sean Longstaff should potentially be starting ahead of Stach in the midfield three.

But in reality, Stach has been just as integral as ever at Elland Road, and if Farke bows to the pressure and drops him in the coming weeks, then it will surely prove to be the wrong move.

Anton Stach tops chance creation stats

Stach's all-action and energetic style won him plenty of admirers last term, but he has faced criticism from some sections of the Leeds fanbase of late.

However, the stats show that the former Mainz man has been just as important as ever, given that he has already created 10 scoring chances in the Premier League alone.

That tally is higher than any other player in Farke's squad, with Ethan Ampadu the next highest with just eight.

Stach's chance-creation stats are boosted by the fact that he takes set-pieces, but the value of a high-quality delivery in dead-ball situations simply cannot be underestimated.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's equaliser in the draw against Manchester United came indirectly from Stach's corner, highlighting his importance once again.

Set pieces can change the course of a game out of nothing, and for that reason alone, Farke must surely continue to find a way to get Stach into the team at all costs.

Throw in the fact that the likes of Harry Wilson and Noah Okafor are having a limited creative impact at the moment, and it surely becomes even more vital that Stach stays in the XI.

Leeds well-placed for Igor Paixao deal

Football Insider revealed last week that Leeds are once again "monitoring" the future of Marseille winger Igor Paixao.

The Whites have been continually tracking the Brazilian in recent years, but he could soon be sold at a reduced fee, with Marseille encountering financial difficulties.

Sources say that a winter move for Paixao remains unlikely, but Leeds will be well-placed to move for the 26-year-old next summer.

They previously tried to sign Paixao during his days at Feyenoord, and he since notched 12 goals and six assists for Marseille last term.