Sam Allardyce has named Robin Koch, Jack Harrison and Luke Ayling as the three Leeds United players he would most like to work with again.
Allardyce was speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, where he hailed the Leeds trio’s desire to do everything they could to keep the club in the Premier League.
Koch, Harrison and Ayling were all heavily involved during Allardyce’s four matches in charge, missing just one game between them.
Allardyce said: “Robin Koch I thought was great, really determined. I thought that Luke Ayling was dedicated, loves the football club and he knows everything it wants to be.
“I think that Jack Harrison’s commitment to Leeds United is excellent. There are some good players there no doubt about that but collectively, they’re not good enough in the Premier League.”
Two of the three likely to depart Leeds this summer
Allardyce was hired in a last gasp attempt to galvanise the Leeds squad, though it wasn’t enough in the end as they finished five points adrift of safety.
It is unsurprising to hear Ayling and Harrison as two of the players he felt were determined to give most to the cause, while Koch has always remained a consummate professional during his time at Leeds.
That said, with relegation now confirmed Koch and Harrison are two players expected to depart Elland Road this summer, though Ayling could stay for an eighth successive season.
Ultimately, both Koch and Ayling’s desire for the cause can only get them so far with both having been regulars in the worst defence in the league.
Harrison, meanwhile, has put up some decent numbers once again but has gone missing in too many matches this season.
It is that for why Allardyce has eluded to Leeds’ squad not collectively being good enough for the Premier League.
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