---
title: "Leeds: Robin Koch backed to retain midfield role"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-robin-koch-backed-to-retain-midfield-role/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Leeds United News"
published: "2021-05-04T18:10:44Z"
modified: "2021-05-04T18:10:44Z"
---

# Leeds: Robin Koch backed to retain midfield role

**Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes that Robin Koch can continue to shine in a midfield role for the Whites moving forward.**

Leeds lost 2-0 away to Brighton on Saturday afternoon in what was a rare off-day after an impressive recent run of form. Koch took up a [defensive midfield role](https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1485471/Live/England-Premier-League-2020-2021-Brighton-Leeds) in the absence of Kalvin Phillips, performing solidly despite the disappointing nature of the result as he [won 11 duels and five tackles](https://www.sofascore.com/leeds-united-brighton-and-hove-albion/FsJ).

\[freshpress-quiz id=”355460″\]

### Koch tipped to continue as midfield option

Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/whelan-the-perfect-phillips-replacement-is-already-at-leeds-after-big-transfer-reveal/), Whelan claimed that the [‘magnificent’](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/noel-whelan-praises-robin-koch-performance-villa/) 24-year-old could carry on being an option in midfield for Marcelo Bielsa, as well as his [preferred centre-back position](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/robin-koch/leistungsdaten/spieler/328784). The pundit said:

> “I’ve seen enough from Koch to suggest he could play that role long-term.  Even though he has only played in that position a couple of times you can see that he has the capabilities to do it. I have no doubt about that.
>
> “He was competitive in midfield against Brighton. He was getting on the ball and trying to find space.
>
> “I felt sorry for him though because it is difficult to gauge whether he can play in that role long-term when everyone else is playing below par. I cannot be 100 per cent confident that he can understudy for Phillips on that performance because everyone around him was a six out of 10 and some of them not even that.
>
> “Could Koch step into an international’s role? The signs are encouraging. I think he has all of the attributes.”

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### Transfer Tavern take

While Koch can fill in at the base of midfield when required, it is still important that Leeds sign a more natural backup to Phillips, as has been [rumoured](https://www.footballinsider247.com/leeds-united-set-sights-on-central-midfielder-signing/) in recent days. The German has his limitations in that position, only keeping possession [79%](https://www.fotmob.com/livescores/3411679/lineup/player-match-card/628201/brighton-&-hove-albion-vs-leeds-united) of the time against Brighton and playing [no key passes](https://www.sofascore.com/leeds-united-brighton-and-hove-albion/FsJ) on what was his [first appearance in defensive midfield](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/robin-koch/leistungsdaten/spieler/328784) for Bielsa’s side this season.

Phillips, in comparison, averages an [84.8%](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/270446/Show/Kalvin-Phillips) pass completion rate and [1.3 key passes](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/270446/Show/Kalvin-Phillips) per match this season – if he were to get injured for a long period in 2021/22, Koch wouldn’t really be a reliable enough deputy over a sustained period despite Whelan’s endorsement.

***In other news, Leeds are believed to be interested in signing an alternative to one player this summer. Read more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/leeds-whites-keen-on-signing-kalvin-phillips-alternative/).***