Leeds United suffered a frustrating defeat at the weekend courtesy of Championship strugglers Wigan Athletic. As a result, Marcelo Bielsa’s side were knocked off of the top of the table by West Bromwich Albion.
The Whites’ latest defeat came as a huge disappointment to those who follow the club and whilst a number of players received some criticism for their performances, Helder Costa, in particular, has been blasted by the fans.
Would you like to see Helder Costa sign for Leeds permanently?
Yes
No
Costa has been absolute budget today. What do Wolves do when they sell us players? Send a lookalike? #lufc
— The Ham Toucher (@HamToucher) February 1, 2020
#lufc Bielsa got it wrong today, Casillia is a liability, flapping at crosses. Why not bring Poveda on for the last 15 minutes?? Costa was useless today. And finally, why not put big Kev on the bench? Bielsa being a cantankerous old fool again, not up to speed, he’s been playing
— Nick Watmough (@Nickjw2014) February 1, 2020
I can see the anger at PB but isn’t anyone else just staggered when a player of Costa’s stature fails to beat a FB, gets ball stuck in his feet in overdribbles and consistently hits the worst crosses that hit defenders legs?! Proper crosses this year that are well directed? Five?
— Just LUFC (@CaineMCM) February 1, 2020
39 of those crosses were probably from Costa https://t.co/SKDUurFWd4
— ZL (@lufcZxch) February 1, 2020
Why only make one sub when we are 1-0 down then??
Costas final ball was poor second half, why nif bring Poveda on for him??
Or go to a back 3 take Dallas off and bring Poveda on?? Where is plan B if plan A isn’t working like on so many occasions??— Russ Pagdin?? (@RussPagdin) February 1, 2020
We have defended Kiko Casilla many times this season.. Illan Meslier should be Leeds number 1.. Helder Costa should be on the bench for the next game with Ian Poveda starting.. Jean-Kevin Augustin should start.. #lufc #mot
— Connor Mahoney!! Bielsaball and Beer ?? (@ConnorMOT92) February 2, 2020
Fit to wear the shirt?
LUFC V TICZ 01 •02•20@KikoCasilla13?@lukeayling_8 ?@LiamCooper__ ?@benwhite?@ezgjanalioski?(u can’t cross)@dallas_stuart ? @Cli5hy ?@pablo?@heldercosta_ ? (sort it pal)@Harrison_Jack11 ?@Patrick_Bamford ?done with this club #lufc
— spen. (@lufcspenn) February 1, 2020
What do we think?
Costa is currently on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. Despite the winger having made 30 appearances in the Championship so far this season, he’s only managed three goals and two assists – causing some of the Leeds faithful to grow frustrated with the 26-year-old, who is valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt.
Although the Portuguese winger played a key part in Wolves’ promotion to the top-flight, even then, he wasn’t all that prolific. In the 2017/18 season, Costa made 36 appearances in the Championship, scoring five goals and providing six assists.
The Whites are obliged to sign the player on a permanent deal at the end of the season – however, judging by the fans’ response, it seems they don’t feel he’s done anywhere near enough in a Leeds shirt.