Imagine a Premier League midfielder dominating the pitch so completely that he earns a spot in the Team of the Week alongside stars from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. That’s exactly what Leeds United’s Anton Stach accomplished, and it’s a moment worth celebrating—but here’s where it gets controversial: was he truly the standout performer in Leeds’ 1-1 draw at Sunderland, or did others deserve the spotlight? Let’s dive in.
Leeds United delivered another commanding display last weekend, securing a hard-fought point at the Stadium of Light. While the team’s resilience was on full display, one player’s performance caught the eye of WhoScored, earning him a place in their Premier League Team of the Week. The Whites initially trailed 1-0 after Simon Adingra’s stunning opener, but they fought back in the second half, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin capping off a flawless team move for the equalizer. That goal marked Calvert-Lewin’s seventh in just six appearances—an impressive streak, no doubt. But surprisingly, it wasn’t the in-form striker or even Brenden Aaronson, whose assist was part of an outstanding performance, who made the cut. Instead, it was Anton Stach, whose midfield mastery stole the show.
Stach has been a revelation during Leeds’ five-game unbeaten streak, and his performance on Sunday was nothing short of monstrous. He dominated the midfield, winning possession in critical areas and driving his team’s relentless second-half pressure. But here’s the part most people miss: Stach’s inclusion in the Team of the Week isn’t just about his individual brilliance—it’s a testament to Leeds’ collective growth under Daniel Farke’s leadership. Is Stach’s recognition a fair reflection of Leeds’ progress, or is it an oversight to exclude other key contributors? Let’s spark the debate.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the full Team of the Week lineup, where Stach stands shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the league’s top performers:
- GK: Martin Dubravka (Burnley) – WhoScored rating: 9.0
- RB: Michael Kayode (Brentford) – WhoScored rating: 8.0
- CB: Michael Keane (Everton) – WhoScored rating: 8.4
- CB: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City) – WhoScored rating: 7.9
- LB: Antonee Robinson (Fulham) – WhoScored rating: 8.1
- RM: Patrick Dorgu – WhoScored rating: 8.8
Stach’s inclusion is a well-deserved nod to his consistency and impact, but it also raises questions: Are we underestimating the role of players like Aaronson or even Calvert-Lewin in Leeds’ recent success? And how does Stach’s performance compare to other midfield powerhouses in the league? What’s your take? Does Stach deserve this recognition, or is there someone else you’d have picked? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
