Anton Stach arrived at Leeds United without the attention surrounding many of the Premier League’s biggest summer transfers, but his first season in England has been exceptional.
The German star has produced elite attacking and defensive numbers, earned international recognition and now ranks as the second-best Premier League signing of the season, according to WhoScored.
Very few midfielders signed have impacted games as consistently as Stach. He has delivered five goals and three assists in the Premier League while also creating 63 chances and producing nine big chances.
Name a better midfield signing in the Premer League this season… 👑
Stats say Stach is the second-best Premier League signing of 2025-26.
Those numbers become even more impressive when combined with his all-round game. Stach has scored four goals from outside the box this season, underlining the technical class Leeds added to their midfield.
His attacking output places him among the Premier League’s most productive midfielders. Few signings across the division have contributed goals, creativity and physical dominance in the way Stach has.
His defensive work makes him one of Leeds’ key players
Stach’s influence extends far beyond goals and assists. The Germany international has become the foundation of Leeds’ midfield because of the amount of defensive work he completes every week.
He has recorded 65 tackles and 119 recoveries this season, while also winning 155 duels and 48 aerial battles. His physical output has also placed him among the Premier League leaders for distance covered.
That combination of mobility, defensive intensity and technical quality has transformed Leeds in central areas. Stach does not simply break up play. He progresses attacks, carries the ball through midfield and consistently creates chances from deeper positions.
Stach is capable of dominating Premier League matches
One of the biggest signs of Stach’s quality has been his ability to control games. Leeds are no longer relying purely on energy and organisation in midfield because Stach has added composure and authority.
His display against Burnley perfectly demonstrated that balance. Stach produced five shots and three key passes while also scoring from distance in one of his most complete performances of the season.
Jamie Redknapp recently described him as one of the signings of the season, and the numbers strongly support that argument. Stach has consistently delivered in both boxes while rarely missing matches.
Recognition is finally arriving for Stach beyond Elland Road
Stach’s performances have not gone unnoticed internationally. He has strengthened his standing as a Germany international since arriving in England, with his Premier League form forcing wider attention.
Anton Stach needs a new deal before it’s too late – discuss…
He's easily doubled his value this season!
That growing reputation became clear after Leeds’ draw against Liverpool when Boris Becker demanded more recognition for the midfielder’s performances.
For much of the season, Stach has operated outside the spotlight compared to more expensive arrivals elsewhere in the Premier League. That is becoming increasingly difficult to justify given the level he has maintained throughout his first year in English football.
Leeds did not just sign a useful midfielder last summer. They signed one of the best-performing new arrivals in the Premier League, and the data now makes that impossible to ignore.
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