It has certainly been a positive start to the 2025/26 campaign for Leeds United. Daniel Farke’s side were tipped by many to go straight back down to the Championship, with more than half of ESPN’s pundits predicting they’d finish in the bottom three.
Of course, there is still plenty of time left this season, but the Whites have made an excellent start to their return to the top flight. They currently sit in 12th in the Premier League, having won two and drawn one from their five games. They already have a four-point cushion on the relegation zone, too.
A large part of why Leeds have started so well is their summer business. One of the most impressive additions so far has been Anton Stach.
Stach’s start to his Leeds career
German international Stach made the move to Elland Road from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim over the summer. He cost the Whites £17m, which seems to have been a bargain given his performances already.
The versatile midfielder, who can also operate at centre-back, has played five times in the Premier League.
He’s already chipped in with two goal involvements, including that sublime free-kick at Molineux against Wolves last time out.
The 26-year-old has certainly caught the eye during his short time at Elland Road so far. Former Watford captain Troy Deeney has been full of praise for the German, explaining that he has “been impressive”, describing him as “a very physical, very demanding player.”
Some of the numbers Stach has put up so far show just how well he has performed. For example, he’s averaged 2.6 combined tackles and interceptions and 1.8 accurate long balls per 90 minutes, as per Sofascore.
Indeed, Leeds’ new midfield gem has already become a key component of their midfield. However, there is another player in Farke’s side who is arguably even more important under Farke.
The Leeds star who's more valuable than Stach
If Stach could already be considered a pivotal cog in the works at Elland Road, then it shows the sort of quality he has brought to Farke’s side, both in and out of possession.
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He has slotted seamlessly into the starting lineup.
He is arguably on the right trajectory to match the importance of club captain Ethan Ampadu. The Welshman has long been viewed as an “indispensable” member of the Leeds side, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
So far, this season has been no different. Although he missed two games during the 2025/26 campaign, the former Chelsea star has started both of Leeds’ wins and the narrow 1-0 loss away to Fulham.
He’s operated in the heart of their midfield alongside Stach.
The quality Ampadu has brought to the centre of the park has been clear to see, and he’s played a huge part in both of their victories. Against Everton on the opening day of the season, he won six duels and completed 81% of his passes.
In their recent win at Molineux, the Welsh international won seven duels and four from four tackles.
Touches
72
74
Pass accuracy
81%
95%
Ground duels won
4/5
5/7
Aerial duels won
2/3
2/4
Tackles won
3/3
4/4
With that in mind, it might not be a surprise to learn that the Leeds skipper is one of the highest-valued players in their squad. According to Transfermarkt, he’s worth £17.4m, bettered only by attacker Wilfried Gnonto.
That is also a higher value than what Stach is deemed to be worth. The German midfielder, who cost the club a fraction less than Ampadu’s value over the summer, is only said to be £12.2m by Transfermarkt.
That certainly shows the importance Ampadu has in the Leeds side. Their skipper, who can play as a centre-back or in midfield as he has done this season, is an integral member of Farke’s side. The fact that he is worth more than Stach highlights his quality.