Germany boss salutes Leeds United's Robin Koch after 'test' in new position

United's summer recruit Koch lined up for what was only his second competitive start and sixth cap overall in Saturday evening's contest against Andriy Shevchenko's side in Leipzig.

Koch, though, a natural centre-back, soon assumed a more advanced position in a holding midfield role and the 24-year-old played the full match as Low's side eventually recorded a 3-1 victory.

Ukraine took a 12th-minute lead through Roman Yaremchuk but Leroy Sane equalised 11 minutes later and a brace from Chelsea's Timo Werner then saw the hosts to a 3-1 triumph.

"That wasn’t an easy game for us," said Low, speaking to www.dfb.de.

"Everyone saw that Ukraine can play. In the first half, we set a high tempo and had the game under control, in the second weren’t quite so determined and lost the ball a few times.

"Overall, I think we can be satisfied.

"We had to replace a few players, but we were still able to find our rhythm.

"We brought tempo and a threat to the game with our three quick forwards, who kept our opponents busy all game.

"In defence, we tried to break down Ukraine’s passing channels early, which is why we tested Robin Koch in the middle. He did a good job.

"Toni Kroos will return to the team on Tuesday against Spain."

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Thank you Laura Collins