Robin Koch reveals Premier League belief after early Leeds United action following summer move

Robin Koch believes his game is perfectly suited to Premier League football following his early outings with Leeds United.

The 24-year-old defender made the move to Elland Road from Bundesliga outfit Freiburg in the summer for a fee in the region of £14m.

Koch has featured in all eight of United’s top-flight fixtures since his arrival following the club’s promotion from the Championship last term after a 16-year absence in the Premier League.

The centre-back admitted last month that he had been enticed to West Yorkshire by the meticulous nature of Marcelo Bielsa and his scouting team.

United’s boss sent Koch a powerpoint of how he could fit into the Whites set-up, before landing his signature on a four-year contract.

After just 720 minutes of league action in the English game, he is already pleased he made the switch during the transfer window with his deal at the Schwarzwald-Stadion running down.

“With Leeds, we have shown that we are attacking against teams like Liverpool and Manchester City,” Koch told German media.

“We have had more possession than our opponents. This offensive style of play – even against big clubs – suits me as a defender.

“Leeds were looking for a strong defender who could open the game from behind. The game in England is a bit more physical and faster, which helps me.”

Asked about what he made new head coach Bielsa so far, he added: “He is a special character, but not crazy [as his nickname El Loco suggests].

“He comes across to the team relatively calm and composed. Of course, he can also get louder sometimes.

“He has a clear plan, is very meticulous and goes into many details.

“He wants the players to follow his instructions exactly.”

Koch has endured a mixed international break after featuring in all three games for Germany over the last week as part of his preparations for this weekend’s clash with Arsenal.

A 1-0 friendly win over the Czech Republic began proceedings before a 3-1 Nations League victory against Ukraine saw him used as a defensive midfielder.

Koch earned high praise from head coach Joachim Low for his performance in a new role at international level on what was only his second full start.

Germany, though, suffered the heaviest competitive defeat of their history on Tuesday as Spain swept aside Low’s side 6-0.

Koch remains hopeful he can feature on a regular basis for his country going forward, believing that playing in England’s top flight can only support those ambitions.

“It always depends on your performance, no matter in which league or club,” he said. “But of course I might be challenged a bit more in the Premier League than in the Bundesliga.

“That’s undoubtedly one of the reasons why many boys from the national team have now moved to England.

“You can prove yourself in a completely new league. That can certainly be a point that will pay off in the end.”