Graham Smyth has been talking in a live Q&A session and answered various Leeds United-related topics, including a question on Helder Costa.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reporter was asked why he thought the winger had not lived up to expectations, and Smyth responded by claiming that there have been positives but that he would like to see more end product from Costa.
Here is the question from @_jessflynnx:
“Hi Graham, I was wondering why you think Helder Costa hasn’t lived up to the expectations of a £15m player?”
This was how Smyth responded.
“I don’t think he’s lived up to the price tag, but there have been positives in his play that can’t be overlooked.
“He’s a great dribbler of the ball; his pace is very useful on the counter-attack.
“I don’t think we’ve seen enough end product yet, not by a long shot. But Bielsa evidently likes him a lot.”
It seems as if Smyth believes that the 26-year-old has shown glimpses of what he is capable of but not provided enough goals or assists.
Have you been let down by Helder Costa?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts…
This is Costa’s worst season statistically in the Championship as he has only scored three goals and provided four assists compared to his 2016/17 season when he scored 10 goals and provided eight assists and then his 2017/18 season when he scored five goals and provided six assists. (Transfermarkt)
So, on that basis, Smyth is right; the 26-year-old has also only averaged a 6.66 rating for his displays in the league this season, which puts him in 12th place in the Whites’ squad (as per WhoScored).
Costa will join Leeds permanently this summer for £15m, so the Whites will probably be hoping for a better return from him next year.