Before a ball was kicked in the 2025/26 campaign, Daniel Farke was tasked with keeping Leeds United in the Premier League after promotion from the Championship.
The German failed during his two previous attempts in charge of Norwich City, but the hierarchy demonstrated faith in him to lead the Whites into the ongoing season.
Their faith appears to have paid off at present, with the club currently occupying 15th place in England’s top-flight and boasting a three-point gap to the relegation places.
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The £90m spent during the summer transfer window has largely been successful, with many of their additions cementing their place within Farke’s starting ranks.
One player in particular has managed to thrive beyond all of the supporters’ imagination, subsequently allowing him to be rewarded for his recent efforts at Elland Road.
Why Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been selected in the England squad
As part of Leeds’ summer recruitment drive, Leeds secured the free transfer of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, after he was released from fellow Premier League club, Everton.
The 29-year-old was seen as a risk given his previous injury record, but there’s no denying the centre-forward has thrived more than anyone could have predicted.
Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates
He’s now featured in 27 league games so far this term, subsequently finding the back of the net on ten occasions - the most of any player within Farke’s squad.
Whilst he hasn’t scored since the 3-1 triumph over Nottingham Forest back in early February, the forward has been handed a return to the England squad by boss Thomas Tuchel.
Calvert-Lewin hasn’t been included in a national team squad since March 2021, with his excellent form in the final third this season allowing him to once again fulfil his dream.
It’s unclear how many minutes he could play under the German during the current break, but it’s certainly a huge achievement and one the player and the Whites should be immensely proud of.
The Leeds star who’s becoming their Player of the Season
Apart from Calvert-Lewin, numerous Leeds players have massively caught the eye this campaign - subsequently playing a huge role in their current Premier League standing.
Central midfielder Ethan Ampadu, who’s also the club’s captain, has often been a regular starter at the heart of the side, featuring in 27 out of a possible 30 matches to date.
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The Welsh international has been a crucial member of the squad at both ends of the pitch, even registering his first Premier League goal against Crystal Palace earlier this term.
The 25-year-old has certainly benefited from Farke’s decision to switch to a three-back system, with his ability in and out of possession helping cement his place as a regular starter.
However, fellow midfielder Anton Stach has also managed to catch the eye in Yorkshire after joining up with the Whites during last summer’s spending spree.
The German arrived for a reported £17m from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, with real expectations of bolstering the quality available at the heart of the senior ranks.
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The 27-year-old has certainly exceeded beyond all expectations this term, as seen by his tally of seven combined goals and assists within the final third of the pitch.
Stach has often produced the goods from a dead-ball situation, often finding the back of the net or even teeing up a teammate and allowing them to get on the scoresheet.
However, his underlying stats also demonstrate the quality he possesses, with his efforts at both ends of the pitch playing a massive role in Farke’s ability to lead the club away from danger.
Stach, who’s been dubbed “fantastic” by boss Farke, has created 2.4 chances per 90 this season, along with 1.7 successful crosses registered per game.
Anton Stach - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Successful crosses
Ground duels won
Tackles made
Aerials won
The aforementioned figures rank the German midfielder in the top 5% of all players in the division - subsequently demonstrating his talent within the final third.
Without the ball, the 27-year-old has been just as dominant, as seen by his remarkable tallies of 5.8 ground duels won and 2.5 tackles made per 90 in the Premier League.
Anton-Stach
Both the stats produced by the midfielder are the highest of any player currently plying their trade at Elland Road, which showcases his importance to the manager’s system.
Other numbers, such as 1.8 aerial duels won, and 0.9 balls regained in the final third per 90, also demonstrate his all-round class - with both ranking him in the top 10% of all players in the league.
£17m for a player of Stach’s quality in today’s market is certainly phenomenal business, with the summer addition undoubtedly worth over two times more than the original investment.
His quality at both ends of the pitch simply can’t be understated, with the club’s chances of securing survival certainly depending on his impact in the weeks ahead.
Many fans will certainly be backing Calvert-Lewin to win the club’s Player of the Season award, but the German star undoubtedly deserves the recognition amid his consistent showings in Yorkshire.
Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates Related
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He's enjoyed an excellent season.