Noel Whelan reacts to Robin Koch’s display in Leeds victory

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Noel Whelan has told BBC Radio Leeds (27/9; 14:04) that he thought that Robin Koch was brilliant in Leeds United’s narrow victory over Sheffield United on Sunday.

Leeds fans have been waiting to see the best of the 24-year-old. There have certainly been glimpses following his summer switch to Elland Road. However, there have also been a couple of moments to forget.

Koch gave away penalties in both of his first two appearances for the club. It would be unfair to be too critical of the handball at Liverpool. However, the challenge against Fulham seemed needless and gave Joe Bryan the opportunity to stumble.

But Koch silenced any doubters at Bramall Lane. Leeds’s defence came under pressure on a number of occasions – and it would be wrong to overlook the stunning saves made by Illan Meslier – but Koch and Liam Cooper dealt with their tasks superbly.

And Whelan suggested that it was a performance that could prove to be a turning point for the Germany international at Leeds.

“He was brilliant today,” he told BBC Radio Leeds. “He showed everything that we wanted when we brought him in.

“That aggression, dominating the centre-forward, being in the right place at the right time, comfortable on the ball, decision-making spot on.”

TBR View: Koch laid down challenge for Llorente

Koch may have felt under a little pressure to keep his place. Leeds signed Diego Llorente ahead of the game, and some may have expected the Spaniard to perhaps come straight into the side.

Llorente’s time will come. But Koch has probably ensured that he may have to wait a little longer to make his debut.

As shown by Whoscored.com, Koch won six aerial duels. Only Liam Cooper won more. Meanwhile, no Leeds player won a higher percentage of their duels.

He was also the Leeds starter who boasted the best pass success rate, and made three clearances.

A poor decision aside, Koch has made a superb start to his Leeds career. And his performance against the Blades provided the clearest hint yet of how good he could be.