Five things learned from Leeds United’s draw vs Villarreal as Anton Stach judgement given — Leeds United News 2/8/25
Harry Dimond
Leeds United continued their pre-season with a 1-1 draw
against Villarreal, as there was plenty to pick out.
As Daniel Farke’s side continue their preparation ahead of
their return to the Premier League, a gruelling test against Spanish outfit
Villarreal took place.
Leeds played their first game of the season at Elland Road
as the Whites faithful could get a glimpse of what Farke’s side have been
working on.
It was also a chance to see new signings from the window in
action, as Anton Stach made his first impression in front of the Whites crowd.
Lukas Nmecha has impressed in pre-season so far, but it was
an opportunity for a few others to get their own plaudits, whilst it’s obvious
one player needs a move, and quickly.
Anton Stach already looks like a steal for Leeds United
As mentioned, it was a chance for the fanbase to see 6’4
Stach in action in the heart of Leeds’ midfield, and it’s safe to say, he
didn’t disappoint.
After Stach grabbed an assist on his debut, there was always
going to be hope for his maiden voyage at Elland Road, and he ticked every box.
The 26-year-old looked composed in possession and showed
glimpses of how crucial he is set to be with his tackles in Farke’s side this
season, as his presence alongside Ethan Ampadu proved his quality.
Leeds United are desperate for creativity as Bilal El
Khannouss must be signed
Following the performance against Man United which presented
plenty of chances, there wasn’t much to go off from Saturday’s outing.
Joel Piroe’s goal showed excellent work from Brenden
Aaronson, but it was pretty dull in the final third aside from that.
It’s quite clear that with Bilal El Khannouss available for
£25 million+, a signing like this needs to be made quickly, as it wasn’t a
glittering showing from Farke’s attack who just scraped past with a draw.
Brenden Aaronson impressed on the wing for Leeds United
Despite the creativity lacking, the only shining light was
Aaronson, as seen from his play to grab an equaliser for the Whites.
But the difference today was that the American started on
the right-wing, and it’s safe to say he impressed as he was definitely the best
threat the Peacocks had.
His hard work on and off the ball proved he could still have
a role to play, and with Aaronson wanting to have a great season for Leeds,
more performances like this, and he’s going the right way about it.
Isaac Schmidt is in desperate need of loan move away from
Leeds United
It was a dull game with not too much happening, but what
stood out was an underpar display from Isaac Schmidt.
The Swiss defender got caught out on a few occasions with
Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino causing him a nightmare all game.
He made some strange decisions, like stitching up Illan
Meslier with a throw-in, and the 25-year-old could certainly have done better
with the Yellow Submarine’s goal by stopping the cross.
With Schmidt set to join Werder Bremen on loan this has to
be his chance to develop his game, otherwise his fortunes at Leeds don’t look
great.
Largie Ramazani continues to stake his claim for left-wing
role at Leeds United
Once again it was Largie Ramazani’s introduction which
changed the game for Farke.
With Villarreal taking the lead it seemed to go flat until
the Belgian came on, as Ramazani has continued to impress in pre-season.
The 24-year-old came on and straight away provided a threat,
taking shots and testing Diego Conde in goal in the second half, as Farke has
surely got to reward Ramazani after his solid form.
Despite Leeds needing an attacking winger, the Belgian is
staking his claim for that role on the left.