Why Robin Koch to Leeds United would bolster their defensive options
As per Sport Witness (h/t Leeds Live), Leeds United have targeted SC Freiburg star Robin Koch to bolster their defence ahead of the summer window.
Koch, 23, came through the ranks of FC Kaiserslautern’s youth system before joining Freiburg in the summer of 2017. Since his arrival, he has caught the eyes of several top clubs and was also handed his debut for Germany last October.
Koch has been in scintillating form this term and has also helped his side to the 8th place before the league got suspended. The report suggests that Portuguese giants Benfica and Premier League side Tottenham are also interested in signing Koch, alongside Leeds.
The Whites, meanwhile, have been brilliant throughout the campaign despite a slight dip in form after January. Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has managed to take them to a different level after struggling all these years.
Though Bielsa’s men have been dumped out of the other competitions, they are currently atop the Championship standings. They are seven points clear off the play-offs position and are hoping for automatic promotion once the league resumes.
Bielsa has managed to get the best out of his side in terms of both attacking and defending. They have scored 56 goals so far in the league while conceding just 19 goals. And they boast of the best defensive record in the league.
However, since there are several players on loan at Elland Road, the manager should look to bring in reinforcements if they have to do better in the Premier League. They need to strengthen the roster and see that there is depth in each department.
Koch could be a replacement for Ben White in Leeds’ defence
One area which the manager should focus on strengthening is the backline. Ben White, Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi are the three centre-backs available at Bielsa’s disposal. They have been brilliant throughout the season and have been key figures in the team.
However, White is on loan from Brighton and will return to the Amex Stadium once the deal expires. And Berardi’s contract is set to expire this summer. This would see the team with limited players in the defence for next season, and thus, the Whites must bring in a centre-back to bolster their defensive unit.
In that regard, signing Koch from Freiburg would do them a world of good. The German has been in impressive form and has featured in 24 league games this term, helping his side keep 5 clean sheets in the Bundesliga.
Koch would be a massive addition to the Leeds’ squad and if he is able to continue with the same form he would grow into a crucial player alongside Cooper at the heart of the defence.
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Verdict
Leeds United are in dire need of centre-backs and Koch would provide them with the much-needed depth. He is just 23 and would go on to represent them in the long run. His inclusion would also bring in a healthy competition within the squad. Thus, the Whites should lure the German international to Elland Road in the summer.
