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91 interceptions: Leeds United player “advancing with talks” over new deal has all the fuel needed to get better

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Robin Koch is said to be one Leeds United player “advancing with talks” over a new deal beyond the summer of 2024.

Leeds have watched Koch put together a consistent run of appearances in the Premier League leading into the World Cup, playing in all 14 fixtures so far this season and play 90 minutes in all-but one of those games.

Leeds Live report how talks are advancing with the German over a new deal, and it makes complete sense for a number of reasons, particularly as the best is probably to come in the centre-back’s career.

One thing that’s going to be fuelling Koch’s desire to improve will be the fact he was overlooked for the Germany squad at the ongoing World Cup in Qatar – a tournament that Hansi Flick’s side have been knocked out of already, of course.

That snub will have hurt and, for those of a Leeds persuasion, it was a surprise. The 26-year-old could hardly have done more in 2022/23, posting some very good numbers and looking assured, despite Jesse Marsch’s tactical setup leaving Leeds vulnerable to a high number of chances conceded.

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As per Wyscout, Koch has been successful with 72.2% of his overall actions, winning 66.3% of his duels (66.1% of all aerial duels) and accruing a passing accuracy of 83.7%.

Koch has more interceptions (91), recoveries (157) and clearances (43) than both Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente. That’s to be expected given he’s played more, but the averages are still decent per 90: 6.11, 10.54 and 2.89 respectively.

Statistically, he might not be the best of Leeds’ centre-back options per 90, but he’s been available to Marsch in every game and delivered a higher number of useful contributions, all whilst keeping himself on the right side of the law more often than not. In 14 appearances, he’s picked up just three yellow cards and committed an average of 1.14 fouls per game. The only time he’s looked truly stretched was in Leeds’ 2-0 defeat a Leicester City, the only game he’s started but not finished.

A high percentage of Leeds supporters will tell you they’ve been more than satisfied with Koch’s contribution this season. His place in Marsch’s best line-up isn’t up for debate and the thought of him sticking around into his peak with a new contract will be music to their ears, particularly considering we might see further improvement in his game.

Should that happen, it will be almost impossible for Germany to ignore the Leeds man. That should be all the fuel Koch needs to build on what’s been his best stint at Elland Road.

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Leeds United Season Ticket Holder at Elland Road for over 20 seasons. Currently nestled in N12, but occasionally offering views from the press box. We’ve been through it all together? You bet.