When it was first rumoured we were interested in signing Anton Stach, I like many of you, I’m sure went straight to YouTube and I was immediately hoping our interest materialised into a transfer.
Granted, the speculation dragged out for little over a week, but it seems that, as soon as Daniel Farke registered his desire to sign him, the board got to work and finally we got him in.
At first, he seemed like he would probably be a solid player for the number 6 role – almost an upgrade on Ethan Ampadu, though in his first few games, he has been anything but.
More like an all-action number 8 – very much a box-to-box role, who has an eye for goal – as he showed in the friendly against AC Milan, in addition to being able to take a free-kick.
And, I know, he will only get better. He has adapted to the Premier League, pretty much like I thought he might. He has the engine, physique and technical ability and he certainly doesn’t seem to go missing or hide.
Can He Be Our Steven Gerrard?
Of course, this is some comparison. Gerrad was essentially ‘Mr Liverpool’, coming up through the youth ranks and then taking the captaincy. Of course, his goal return was exceptional as well.
Stach has shown that he can get on the scoresheet and considering all of his other contributions, he has possibly been our most important player so far.
This is one area of the pitch that we are er, haha – ‘well stacked’ in as well. Fellow new signing Sean Longstaff has proved to be another excellent addition, while Ao Tanaka (signed last summer and with a similar work ethic) and Brenden Aaronson again are effective players.
Stach though, for sure, is the most imposing. What I’d like to see though, is more goals – he’s proven that he has a great shot on him and this can surely be a weapon against teams – especially with so few players shooting from distance now (compared to when Gerrard played).
Add to that, he is also a menace in the box and a major threat from set-pieces, which I think is something that we’ve needed for a long time.
Stach Could Be Our Player Of The Season
I’ve no doubt that if he continues to play like he has been doing, then Stach could definitely be our player of the season – there’s also no reason why he can’t win a Premier League Player Of The Month award either, if he really puts together a good run of form.
My worry though, is that, if he has too good a season and, especially if we stay up (I think we will), then other clubs might start to circle as often happens. Last time we were in the top flight, we managed to keep hold of our best players after our first season, though, I’d definitely expect some interest.
Despite this, from what I’ve seen so far, I’m really happy with the signing and £17 million seems like a bargain right now.
