Leeds United have had multiple of their players called up for their respective national teams ahead of the upcoming international break.
As expected, the likes of Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow and Dan James will go away with Wales; however, there were some Leeds players who had not played for their national team in a while who have received well-deserved call-ups.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was included in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad as the striker aims to book his place on the plane ahead of the World Cup this summer.
Anton Stach also received a call-up for Germany, but the comments made by the German manager, Julian Nagelsmann, following the announcement may annoy some Leeds supporters.
Julian Nagelsmann makes brutally honest Leeds admission after Anton Stach call-up
Stach’s call-up for Germany may have come as a surprise given the fact that Nagelsmann was critical of the Leeds midfielder recently.
However, the 27-year-old’s form for United this season has made him undeniable as Stach returns to the Germany squad four years after his last international appearance.
When explaining his decision to call up Stach, Nagelsmann made some comments about Leeds that may ruffle some supporters’ feathers.
“We wanted a No. 6 with a different profile. His journey has been from a No. 6 to a No. 4 and then up to a No. 8.” Nagelsmann said.
“Stach hasn’t had a chance to prove himself with us yet. He’s playing with Leeds. Unlike Leon (Goretzka) with Bayern and even Robert (Andrich) with Leverkusen, Leeds aren’t favoured to win many matches in the Premier League. We want to see how he can give to us with (this underdog mentality).
“He was very happy (with the call-up). He was euphoric upon receiving the call and will see if he can bring this euphoria with him this week. It meant a lot to him that he was valued. We’ll see if he can slip in and compete with a few of the other players I’ve mentioned.”
For Nagelsmann to simply dismiss Leeds like they haven’t been in excellent form since December will annoy some supporters, with Stach being able to provide Germany with real quality in the middle of the park and not just an “underdog mentality”.
Data suggests Anton Stach fully deserved his call-up
Stach has arguably proven to be the Whites’ signing of the summer, with the German being a pivotal part of the success Leeds have enjoyed so far this season.
Stach has proven to be a jack of all trades in Leeds’ midfield under Daniel Farke, providing a creative spark in the final third as well as immense quality from set-pieces. Stach is also not afraid to get stuck in either, and his data certainly reflects this.
- Stach has scored four goals and provided three assists in 25 Premier League appearances so far this season
- The midfielder averages a whopping 2.2 key passes per game and has created nine big chances this season
- Stach also averages 2.2 tackles per game, showing he contributes for Leeds both defensively as well as offensively (Sofascore)
Hopefully, for Stach, he can impress Nagelsmann in the upcoming international break and secure his spot in Germany’s squad for the World Cup.
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