Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa favoured Helder Costa over Jack Harrison against Aston Villa last week and Noel Whelan has been discussing both the players ahead of their next match.
Whelan comments on Leeds duo
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan was asked whether Harrison would could back into the starting XI and said: “Absolutely. Look, people are given an open door to come in and take your opportunity as Helder Costa was. I think Jack Harrison had been quiet for three games prior. Helder Costa’s come on and made some influence on a game from the substitutes’ bench.”
“I felt he deserved the opportunity. However, I was very, very disappointed once again with his contribution from the start to the time he came off.
Costa needs to start impressing
Harrison has had a good season as he managed six goals and four assists, whilst also managing 1.3 shots and 1.7 key passes per game (WhoScored).
However, Costa has failed to set the division alight this campaign. He has managed three goals and three assists, but has only averaged 0.8 shots and 0.5 key passes a game (WhoScored). The £10.8m-rated ace has made 64 appearances for the club throughout his career, but only has seven goals and 11 assists to his name (Transfermarkt), so it is obvious to see why he has only started nine games in 2020/21. He was hauled off after 64 minutes against Villa last week, having played just 18 passes in that time (WhoScored).
His former manager Nuno Espirito Santo heaped praise on him in recent months as he said: “So that season was not the best for him, but in the first season we were in the Premier League, Helder was immense and had a huge impact on the team.
“He’s a very talented player, but things happen naturally, players move from here to another place. It happens in football. Honestly, I’m delighted he’s showing his quality and enjoying his football.”
Hopefully we can see Costa’s quality start to shine more as he tries to help Leeds finish in the top half of the table.
In other news, a Leeds transfer target could be available in the summer!
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