Many Whites supporters have been tearing into Helder Costa on social media for his performance against Bristol City, despite the winger receiving an initially positive review from Leeds United StatZone.
Costa opened the action at home to the Robins on Saturday, as boss Marcelo Bielsa opted to offer the Portuguese his 23rd start of the Championship season to record his 33rd outing.
But once again, Costa was unable to return the Argentine’s faith with a goal or an assist, with the one-time international now eight league appearances without a strike to his name and 15 second-tier matches without an assist.
Nonetheless, Leeds United StatZone sought to single the 26-year-old out for special praise after the full-time whistle, noting that Costa had completed the most dribbles (five) of any player for either side.
He also registered 73 touches, 43 passes, won nine duels, attempted three crosses and made eight recoveries.
Was Costa's performance good or bad on Saturday?
He was productive
Needs to improve
Of the SL Benfica product’s 43 passes, WhoScored note that Costa completed 28 (65%) with neither leading to a chance to score, while also claiming that he only beat opposing players with four of his seven attempted dribbles (57%), made three successful tackles from ten and was dispossessed twice.
Data collected by Sofa Score also shows the 5 ft 10 forward as failing to find teammates with either of his three crosses or three long passes, as well as losing 12 of 20 ground duels and all three of his aerial contests.
Costa also lost possession 26 times and missed a big chance to end his goal drought when denied by Daniel Bentley despite rounding the 26-year-old goalkeeper.
Here are some of the messages shared from fans tearing into Costa for his performance on Saturday, despite the praise initially given by Leeds United StatZoneβ¦
Needs to shoot more,π΅οΈ
β Rob (@Rob94247840) February 16, 2020
No final ball & never shoots even when heβs one on one!!
β Win Chief (@WThechief) February 15, 2020
Yeah but he was frustrating in the box today. Need to shoot and test the keeper. Too many back passes.
β ChrisB6000 (@ChrisB6000) February 15, 2020
General play was better than he has been lately. But have to say his final ball and decision making in the box were still woeful.
β Aido (@89aido) February 15, 2020
As the saying goes dribble before you shoot – except he didnβt – not once π€
β Roobster ππ (@roobster123) February 15, 2020
I thought his shorts looked damp ππ
β Kev Richings (@Kevgrab81) February 15, 2020
Open goals missed : 1
β Ω (@callumlufc) February 15, 2020
And zero crosses to a white shirt…..
β Phil Fraser (@Phil_Fraser) February 15, 2020
In other Leeds United news,Β the club are reportedly eying a striker, valued at β¬4m, ahead of the summer market.