Anton Stach has probably caught the eye more than any other new Leeds United signing when it comes to performances on the pitch, having starred in pre-season and against Everton.
It was Stach that won Leeds a penalty, with Chris Kavanagh’s decision controversial. Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville believe it was the right decision but it has caused division in the footballing world.
Leeds deserved to win however, and £19.9m signing Stach was crucial to that. Whether it was making defensive contributions or popping shots off from distance. Gary McAllister was impressed by Stach.
But it was not only Stach that impressed among the new signings that featured on Monday night. Lucas Perri kept a clean sheet and according to FotMob, Gabriel Gudmundsson was the best player on the pitch.
Gabriel Gudmundsson shines for Leeds in win against Everton
At the start of the summer, most Leeds fans wanted Junior Firpo to stay put. But Firpo has rejoined Betis and Sweden international Gudmundsson has come in as his replacement, like-for-like on the left flank.
After an impressive display against Milan in Dublin, Gudmundsson went one better with a super display against Everton. Defensively, Gudmundsson was solid, but he also provided plenty of attacking impetus.
Not just that, but Gudmundsson’s ability to get up and down the left flank was eye-catching. The Swede was key to Leeds’ win and lasted the entire 90 minutes despite his output up and down Leeds’ left.
Gabriel Gudmundsson’s stats for Leeds against Everton:
- 90 minutes played, 8.1 FotMob rating (best on pitch)
- XG+XA: 0.31, eight defensive contributions
- Three shots, 4/5 successful dribbles, three touches in Everton box
- 79 touches (fourth-highest on pitch), 40/48 successful passes
- Six recoveries, one tackle, two interceptions
- Seven duels won, four lost, 10.5km covered
Anton Stach has a new nickname for Gabriel Gudmundsson
Gudmundsson, Perri and Stach all sparkled on debut for Leeds, as did Lukas Nmecha when he came off the bench to score the penalty. Sean Longstaff also made his debut for The Whites on Monday night.
Stach has become quite the character on social media, posting another bizarre Madagascar-related post after the win over Everton. The German midfielder also has a nickname for fellow newbie Gudmundsson.
Stach commented “Gabinho” on the former Lille man’s post after the win. The duo are more than likely to retain their starting spot at Arsenal on Saturday, but Simon Grayson thinks Joel Piroe could be dropped.
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