Leeds United news: Rodrigo tipped for recall and new role for Koch – Whelan
Robin Koch will slot into the Leeds United defence in the absence of Diego Llorente, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, also tipped 27-time Spain international Rodrigo for a return to the starting eleven.
Jesse Marsch will take charge of his first game in charge of Leeds United against Leicester City tomorrow (5 March) after being appointed on Monday (28 February).
As quoted by Leeds Live yesterday (3 March), Marsch confirmed Llorente is yet to return to training after injury and revealed he is “questionable” for the King Power Stadium showdown.
The American also confirmed Patrick Bamford will be “evaluated” pre-match to determine what part he can play.
Whelan suggested Adam Forshaw could play in holding midfield as part of the defensive reshuffle.
“Koch could slot into that back four in Llorente’s absence,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“It’s one of these decisions – do you go with experience or youth? Has Koch done enough to keep his place in there, or could Charlie Cresswell come in?
“In my opinion, if it was my first game at the club then I would go with experience and drop Koch into the defence.
“That frees up Adam Forshaw to move into the defensive midfield area, and possibly even allows Rodrigo to come into midfield.
“We’ve seen him play in that midfield role before, and he certainly didn’t look out of place against Man United.
“It gives you a few more options.
“If you’ve got a Pascal Struijk and Koch at the back, it’s vitally important that they are very aggressive against Jamie Vardy and a very creative Leicester side.”
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