Germany boss Hansi Flick has been following Leeds defender Robin Koch’s development ‘closely’ as he looks to make him a part of his squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
That’s according to Sport 1, who say the German boss is a big fan of the Leeds man and has ‘contacted him frequently’ by phone in recent months to find out about his well-being.
The outlet explains that the German set up is keen to keep an eye on Koch as they value his ‘variability and reliability’ but ‘also his personality’.
He was a part of the squad for the European Championships under Joachim Loew and made a big impression, enjoying a good relationship with stars such as Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry and Mats Hummels.
The Leeds man hasn’t appeared for his country since the 2-0 defeat to England at that tournament, though, with a pubis bone contusion meaning he’s missed large parts of this season and all of Germany’s World Cup qualification games since September.
He’s since returned at club level and has made it clear he wants to try and force himself back into the international set-up as soon as possible.
And that could be on the cards as Sport 1 say manager Hansi Flick is ‘following Koch’s development closely’.
He has been in contact with the Leeds man ‘frequently’ to discuss his fitness and well-being with those in charge at the DFB said to ‘appreciate’ what he can bring to the team.
All of that indicates Koch will be back in the set up when Germany face Israel and the Netherlands in March, so long as he can stay fit between now and then.
