Leeds United played their third pre-season game of the 2025/26 campaign as Daniel Farke’s side faced German outfit Paderborn.
Leeds continued their pre-season tour in Germany with a 3-2 win against German second division side Paderborn.
This follows Leeds’ 4-1 win vs SC Verl as Farke’s men are experiencing a good run out in the Leeds boss’ home country.
Goals from Joel Piroe, Lukas Nmecha, and Willy Gnonto secured a hard-fought victory, as new arrivals got another run out in a Leeds shirt.
But for Anton Stach, it was his maiden voyage, and after a 60-minute cameo, this is how the 6’4 midfielder got on.
Anton Stach is a Leeds United player. Credit: Leeds United Official on YouTube. 2:23Anton Stach makes debut in Leeds United friendly win
It’s been a long time coming, but Stach has finally had his first outing in the white of Leeds.
After his £19.9m move from Hoffenheim was secured this week, Stach has been settling into the training camp in Germany, as Farke has his own version of Declan Rice in the squad.
Hoffenheim fans were devastated to see Stach go, but the German’s career needed the next step up.
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With this considered, Stach has now had his first run out in a Leeds shirt, and the midfield stalwart seemed to impress.
Stach made the biggest impact as the German got the assist for Piroe’s opener, as he can be seen driving through the heart of the Paderborn midfield and picking out the pass for the Dutchman to slot home, showing the qualities he’s set to bring to Elland Road.
Beren Cross, writing for The Athletic, suggested that Stach was a ‘presence in the box for set-pieces’ and, despite not having any towering headers, this is just a glimpse of what the German will bring from these areas.
His vision was shown in the 60-minute cameo as well, and on the whole, it was a solid first outing for Leeds.
Leeds United played Paderborn in Germany this afternoon. Farke’s son was in the opposition team.
This is the briefing from inside the stadium. Scoreline omitted now, for those who missed the first attempt. #lufc https://t.co/Ztd5tgzLm6
— Beren Cross (@BerenCross) July 26, 2025
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Stach’s Leeds number revealed as departing midfielder misses out
With the German showing off what he’s set to bring to the table, Leeds fans might have just got even more excited.
Farke can utilise Stach in different ways, and despite him being more of a defensive outlet, he showed he can provide a threat in the final third as well.
But despite the solid performance, the main question on fans’ lips will be, what number did Stach wear?
Well, as seen on The Athletic report, the midfielder donned the number 18, which sees departing Darko Gyabi lose out, after wearing this number on a few occasions.
A certain Raphinha also began his Leeds career wearing this number, as Stach has a lot to live up to, but from his cameo, there are plenty of good signs to pick out.