Leeds United defender Robin Koch has admitted he wants to become captain at Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Leeds regular

Koch made the move to Leeds following the club’s promotion to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020. The German joined from SC Freiburg but struggled with injuries in his first two seasons as a Whites player, making a combined 35 top-flight appearances in those two campaigns, with some of those coming as a holding midfielder.

However, he has managed to remain fully fit in recent months and has made himself a regular at centre-back, turning out 25 times in the league and already impressing new head coach Javi Gracia, who praised Koch following the 1-0 win over Southampton.

Koch is ‘convinced’ Leeds won’t be relegated over the coming months and his representatives are currently in talks with Leeds over a new contract, despite rumours he could depart the club if they go down. His current deal expires next year, and it looks as if the player has big aspirations in Yorkshire.

The Latest: Koch’s comments

Sports Witness relayed comments from Koch in an interview with Spox in the last 48 hours. The Whites defender admitted he was happy in Yorkshire and was asked if he had aspirations of becoming the captain at Elland Road, to which he said:

“Why not? Yes. But even without an armband, I want to be a leader in the team and also set a good example on the pitch.”

The Verdict: Good to see

There had been reports recently that Koch, Illan Meslier and Jack Harrison are already planning to quit Leeds if they are relegated, so it is good to see that the centre-back wants to stay and is open to becoming captain.

The current club captain is Liam Cooper, with the Scot featuring just three times in 2023, missing plenty of action through injury. Luke Ayling has been leading the side in Cooper’s absence, so there could be scope for Koch to take on a new role over the next 12 months, especially if he signs a new deal.

Koch and January signing Max Wober have been regulars under Gracia in recent weeks, with the former of the two making more clearances than any Leeds player this season, as per WhoScored.

He also ranks highly for interceptions, blocks and passes made per 90, and should Koch remain injury-free and Leeds remain in the Premier League, the club may look to give him more responsibility in and around Thorp Arch and Elland Road.