Leeds United fans have been calling for Marcelo Bielsa to start Helder Costa on Twitter.
Paul Lambert used to tell him he was “world class”. Dave Edwards says he’s “the best played I’ve ever played with.”
People are itching for Eddie Nketiah to start but Leeds United’s lack of quality out wide might mean Helder Costa comes to the fore first:https://t.co/x0fQh7R4ru
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) September 18, 2019
Phil Hay recently wrote an article for The Athletic (subscription required) suggesting that the Argentine could look to use the Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee in their upcoming match against Derby County.
The journalist stated that Costa could come into the side and provide Bielsa’s side with some of the quality that they have been lacking in the wide positions.
Indeed, the 25-year-old (who is set to join Leeds on a permanent deal at the end his loan spell) has made just seven substitute appearances in the Championship so far, with Jack Harrison appearing to be favoured from the beginning.
It might not be a bad move for Bielsa to use Costa from the start, either. The Portugal international has recorded one assist (something the Manchester City loanee has not managed to achieve), whilst he has also contributed with an average of 0.4 key passes in 136 minutes of action (WhoScored).
Fans took to Twitter to call for the manager to use the winger from the beginning, with many suggesting he could make a huge difference on the pitch and, perhaps, benefit Patrick Bamford as well.
Here are just some of their reactions…
“United’s crossing is among the least accurate in the Championship, ahead of only Derby and Huddersfield”
“Harrison has picked out a team-mate once in 23 attempts from open play this season.”
Enough said. Costa in.
— Maxwello (@maxwellobielsa) September 18, 2019
Costa’s the one I was calling for a start after Barnsley, he’s a class above. I’ve no complaints with Bamford, he did brilliantly against Barnsley, last season’s Bamford would have been bullied out of that by Halme, this season’s held his own. Eddie has a fight on his hands.
— The Scratching Shed (@TSSLUFC) September 18, 2019
Costa had been on the pitch 5 minutes and i’d comfortably say he achieved more attacking wise in that 5 than any Leeds player had all 1st half. Got in behind Barnsley 3 or 4 times. Compare that to Harrison
— Gaz (@gazLUFC4) September 18, 2019
That’s what I have been saying Phil, I don’t mind who starts up front as both are playing well but we need Costa in from the start #lufc
— DavidK (@DavidKershaw7) September 18, 2019
Costa is the key.
— Paul Allen (@PaulJam50) September 18, 2019
i think costa starts bamf gets more chances. then if he still fails to convert eddie starts . costa got that pin point quality
— Scottyp78 (@Scottyp782) September 18, 2019
shouldn’t be a debate. look at costa levels and performances in the championship in the past. Harrison is a good player to have but Costa is magic and it might take the pressure off if we start scoring early.
— Peter (@PJ_Jenno) September 18, 2019
Bamford gets into some great positions that some others wouldn’t, however he doesn’t even hit target at times which others would. Tricky one but if Costa starts then maybe Bamford would get better crosses which leads to more goals.
— Simon James (@Simonjames191) September 18, 2019
