Leeds United are currently five points ahead of third-placed Fulham in the Championship table. After missing out via the playoffs last season, the Whites will surely look to go for the automatic promotion spots this season. With five wins in a row now, United seem to be in a good run of form just at the right time of the season.
One player who recently did a decent job was Helder Costa as he got his first goal last weekend against Middlesbrough. The Wolves winger has taken some time to settle in at the club, but he has shown some positive signs off late. However, he is far from his best as he was expected to dominate the Championship after he arrived at Elland Road this season.
Bielsa Wants More Impact From Costa
However, Bielsa indicated that Costa is ever-improving and with every week he is getting better. The Argentine manager said (Leeds Live), ”He gave a step forward today (After his goal against Middlesbrough). He scored. He is developing, but he can show more impact to unbalance the game than he did today. Every week he is improving.”
It’s clear that Bielsa still expects more to come from the winger who would cost United £15m next summer. Even with his recent goal, many might still believe that Costa’s signing has been underwhelming so far. Apart from the goal against the Boro, the Portuguese winger wasn’t involved in the game too much.
Should the fans be concerned?
Leeds United clearly put all their eggs in one basket when they signed Costa for big money. All their other signings in the summer were only on loan deals. So it is fair to say that the team management would have had a lot more expected of him. The player took time to get used to the Bielsa system, and he only got his chance as a substitute early on. An injury to Pablo Hernandez gave the Portuguese a regular run in the first-team, but he often flattered to deceive with his performances on the field.
However, there are signs that he is getting back to his best. The Bielsa way of training and his demanding football can be a shock to any player’s system and maybe adjusting to a new team took him some time. However, Leeds United would be glad that they have done well without their prime summer signing who is yet to fire for them.
Hopefully, Costa will come to life in the second half of the season now. As for the fans, they shouldn’t be concerned as Costa is a proven player at this level and once he gets his confidence back, he could emerge as a game-changer for them.
