Leeds United boss Daniel Farke contradicts national team manager view on Elland Road hero

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has offered an opposing view to that of a national team boss on an Elland Road favourite.

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann went on record with his views on Leeds midfielder Anton Stach just months before the World Cup. While Nagelsmann told German outlet Kicker that the former Hoffenheim man was 'doing well' in the Premier League, he added thoughts that appeared to pour cold water on Stach's major tournament hopes.

"He’s doing well there, but he’s not exceptionally strong in the air and not a top ball-winner either," said Nagelsmann. "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 according to Stach's club boss, the midfielder's combativeness is a key strength for Leeds along with various other facets of his game.

"Anton is highly placed as one of the best signings during the whole Premier League, and rightly so, because he's delivering on Premier League level, on the top level," said Farke.

"He shows versatility, plays in more or less each midfield role, in a deeper role, in a higher role, the more advanced role, in the deeper sitting role, and delivers in each position with big consistency."

“A fantastic player on this level”

Contrary to what Nagelsmann said about Stach's aerial prowess or lack of, Farke is content with how his summer 2025 signing is competing in the air and on the ground. And not only that, his chance creation and work ethic has delighted the Whites boss.

"He is important for us also with the strength in the air, he wins for us many balls, is really, really strong in the duels," said Farke.

"I also like his ability to run the game. Of course, he's good when he has the game in front of him. But also under pressure when he's with the back to the opponent's goal, he hardly loses the ball. He influences the game. He delivers goals, he delivers assists.

“He is quite often the creative spark for us. Also what he what he does against the ball, unbelievable consistency. I think his covered ground is always on the top level in each game with high speed distance. So for me, a very complete player, and we are all happy that we have them. And for me, a fantastic player on this level."