Overview

• Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche called Robin Koch the best defender currently available to Germany, saying others must overtake him.
• Koch started in place of Jonathan Tah and played the full 90 minutes in Germany’s 3-1 World Cup qualifier win over Northern Ireland.
• Krösche said he expects Koch to take on a key role for the national team going forward.
• He credited a recent leap in Koch’s personality and leadership as the reason for his appointment as Eintracht captain.
• Koch is 29, moved from Leeds United to Eintracht in 2023, has 15 international caps and 88 club appearances, and hopes to make the 2026 World Cup squad.