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Marcelo Bielsa lauds ‘excellent’ Leeds defender Robin Koch
Marcelo Bielsa has claimed that Robin Koch is a genuine option in both central defence and holding midfield, labelling the Leeds United star excellent in both roles – .
It has been an encouraging first season for Koch at Elland Road. When he has been available, he has certainly looked a class act.
However, an injury suffered in December opened the door for the likes of Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk to further prove themselves at the heart of the backline.
In fact, in his last two appearances following his recent return, he has tended to be used as more of a third centre-back able to push up and provide support to Kalvin Phillips.
And Bielsa suggested that he views Koch as someone who can play more than competently in the two different roles.
“What Robin Koch has done previously is show he can play as defensive midfielder and as a centre-back,” he said, . “He is an excellent option in whichever of those two positions.
“He’s already played very well as a centre-back and he can play well as a defensive midfielder also. He is being considered for either of those functions.”
TBR View: Koch just needs to bide his time to regain starting spot
It does appear that Koch is going to need to bide his time before he gets back in the starting lineup.
But his versatility should certainly boost his hopes of getting back into the side. If Phillips sustains an injury or gets any suspension, Koch looks to be first in line.
The centre-back pecking order is a little tougher to predict. Liam Cooper is suspended for one more game and offers something different being a left-footer.
But if Koch can show more of his early-season form, he will surely be the player Bielsa turns to when he needs to make a change at centre-back.