Noel Whelan reacts to Robin Koch’s display on Leeds debut; lauds Pascal Struijk

Noel Whelan told BBC Radio Leeds (broadcast on 12/9; 19:39) that he saw some positive signs from Robin Koch on his Leeds United debut, while he labelled Pascal Struijk’s display excellent.

The Whites suffered defeat on the opening day of the new season. However, they have sent out a fantastic statement to the rest of the Premier League as Leeds pushed Liverpool all the way before suffering a 4-3 loss.

It proved to be a real baptism of fire for their two centre-backs however. With Liam Cooper injured, Koch played alongside Struijk.

It was the German international’s debut for the Whites following his summer move. Meanwhile, Struijk was making his first start for the club at centre-back.

Koch was unfortunate to give away a penalty. And Liverpool enjoyed a lot of success from set-pieces. But, while Whelan insisted that Leeds need to improve in those situations, he suggested that he was encouraged by both players, particularly Struijk.

“I thought a good acquisition,” he told BBC Radio Leeds, when asked about Koch’s display. “He seems very comfortable on the ball. Obviously, you’re not going to be defending against a van Dijk week-in, week-out. But I think he needs to get better at that.

“But he’s not been here long. I think everyone needs to work on certain things defensively when it comes to set-pieces. I think having Cooper back in the side will help, even though Struijk, I thought, had an excellent game today considering he’s up against a formidable front three. I don’t think he did much wrong.”

Koch certainly seemed to improve as the game went on. He continued to look composed on the ball, even when Liverpool were attempting to box Leeds in.

Meanwhile, Struijk continues to impress. The 21-year-old was a revelation in the final games of last season. And he looks ready to pick up where he left off.

Leeds may have lost. But a number of players surely proved that they are good enough for the Premier League.

Koch and Struijk were definitely two of them.

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