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Kalvin Phillips has told the Leeds That podcast that new Leeds United star Robin Koch has the potential to become a “world class” defender, but when asked – he chose to pick Brighton ace Ben White over the Germany international.
Koch, 24, joined Leeds in the summer for a fee believed to be in the region of £12million after Leeds had numerous attempts to turn White’s loan from Brighton into a permanent deal blocked. Sky Sports claimed Leeds even offered £25million.
Signed from Freiburg, Koch has been White’s replacement with the latter since signing a new deal on the south coast. Koch has started all six league games for Leeds, helping them win three times and keep two clean sheets in the process.
Phillips spoke about new signing Koch and how he has quickly integrated himself into the Leeds side, describing him as “unbelievable”. However, when asked to pick between Koch and White, Phillips picked White – given he has know him longer.
“The first couple games, he was unlucky. The handball against him was harsh. That was ridiculous, it’s crazy. He played well in that game, especially against the best English side in the Premier League,” Phillips said on Koch.
“The second game, it wasn’t a penalty – he slid in but the player dived. The last two games especially against Villa, he was unbelievable. It’s hard when players are injured, players are in and out and you can’t get that relationship.
“But you could partner him with anyone – that shows how good he is. You can’t make me do this [pick between Koch and White]. I’m gonna go Ben, but I sit next to Robin in the dressing room. He can be world class. I’ll pick Ben, I’ve known him longer.”
TBR’s view – Koch performances has made Leeds fans forget White
But is he better than the future England star? Both are similar players, the ball-playing defender in a two-man central defensive partnership that Marcelo Bielsa likes to combine with more of a rock – captain Liam Cooper for example.
White and Koch would not be able to play together, but both are excellent central defenders. Both are capable of playing in midfield as well as defence, and Koch should be praised for his early Leeds outings – in what is his first Premier League games.
Is he better than White? It is too early to tell, but they are on a similar playing field. Koch might just edge given he has more first-team games under his belt, and caps for his national side.
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