Leeds United defender Robin Koch has missed out on the Germany squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. Koch has been preferred at centre back to Southampton's Armel Bella Kotchap, who was only handed his senior international debut during the most recent international break in September.
Bella Kotchap has impressed in his first season for the Saints after joining from VFL Bochum in the summer and at just 20, is among Europe's most talented young defenders. That said, Koch has also enjoyed arguably his best run of form at Leeds since his move in 2020, having started every league game so far this season.
Koch has struggled with injuries for large periods during his time at Elland Road, though he was still a regular in the Germany squad, including in the EUROs in 2021. He has been capped eight times by his country in his career, but will now face a big fight on his hands with Antonio Rudiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Niklas Sule, Matthias Ginter and Bella Kotchap all now ahead of him.
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It has not been all bad news on the World Cup front for Leeds, though, with Rasmus Kristensen, Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams all having received call ups this week. Kristensen is set to represent Denmark, while both Aaronson and Adams will be playing for the United States.
Other potential Leeds representatives include Mateusz Klich of Poland, who faces a nervous wait after his lack of game time this season. Diego Llorente and Rodrigo Moreno (Spain), and Pascal Struijk (Netherlands) will all too still harness hopes of a call-up.
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