Sky Sports pundit Johnny Phillips believes that Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Helder Costa is a completely different player to the one he was last season.
The 24-year-old only started 21 games for Wolves in their Championship winning campaign last term, but Phillips thinks that the young ace has “undergone something of a transformation” this time around, particularly as he has started all six Premier League matches so far for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Phillips adds that the 5ft 1oin [Transfermarkt] player has come back from the summer break looking better than he did last season – and he also raved about the way he caused trouble for Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw last weekend in the 1-1 draw.
“The former record signing has undergone something of a transformation to nail down a spot in the starting line-up for all six Premier League games so far this season. He returned from the summer recess looking sharper and fitter than ever,” Phillips wrote in the Express and Star.
“Against Manchester United last Saturday he was Wolves’ most effective player, giving United’s full-back Luke Shaw a troublesome afternoon and he played a key part in Joao Moutinho’s equaliser.”
OPINION
Admittedly, Costa was sidelined for a bit last season with an injury, but Phillips is right – Costa is a completely different player this season. He has been a lot more effective than he has ever been, and he has definitely been causing some damage down the flanks. Players who have been promoted with a team need to step up a gear, especially if promoted to the top flight – and that is exactly what Costa has done. He has recognised the level that he now need to play at, and he has adjusted to this level accordingly. This is exactly the type of player that Nuno needs in his side – and fans will have their fingers crossed that he maintains his form for the duration of the season. He could prove to be incredibly pivotal to Wolves’ success this year if he carries on the way that he is, and Nuno must be counting his lucky stars that Costa has come good just at the right time.