Robert Koch itching to lead Leeds United moving forward after rocky start to life at the club
Robert Koch didn’t have the easiest of starts at Leeds United, moving to the club during a global pandemic, but now the 26-year-old is ready to lead the team to better days.
The centre-back was signed as Ben White’s replacement ahead of the Whites Premier League return, but injuries to himself and the squad left him out of position and the starting lineup.
Now after two years at Elland Road the defender is finally flourishing, Koch has played every minute of every game so far this campaign.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Koch admitted that it was a “special” moment for him to be named captain whilst other senior talents were sidelined with injuries and he wants to be a leader for the team moving forward.
“It was very special for me because I want to go forward and be an important part for the team. To get the feedback from the team and the coach to be captain for Leeds United is very special.
“I knew [he would be captain] because in pre-season, sometimes I was captain and the team said if someone is injured from our captains, then it’s me. This feels quite special because you get the trust from the team-mates and the coach as well.
“I want to be a leader for this team, even without the captain role, but obviously it’s nice feedback from them.”
New signing?
Koch has been a man reborn this season and it’s like Leeds United have made a new signing over the summer, he’s upped his game massively.
Brentford aside, the defender has contributed to the Whites new and improved backline which has looked far more solid than leaky so far.
Jesse Marsch even labeled Koch as Leeds’ “best player” in the opening five games, an impressive compliment, one that is thoroughly deserved for the German.
Despite his good early season form, Koch wasn’t called up to Hansi Flick’s latest German national team squad before the World Cup, nevertheless, this is good for Leeds.
With Koch’s injury record being bleak, to say the least, an added winter break and rest for the defender whilst the World Cup is taking place is ideal for Leeds moving forward.
Koch is becoming a leader on and off the pitch and it seems he has got his teammates’ approval, this bodes well for the 26-year-old to have a bright future at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, European newspapers are raving over the “animalistic’” performance of one Whites star on international duty.