Lots of Leeds United fans have been lauding Helder Costa on social media, for the way he was able to turn his game around following an ‘invisible’ first half against Millwall on Tuesday night.
Boss Marcelo Bielsa fielded the Portuguese winger in the opening line-up as he welcomed Gary Rowett’s Lions to Elland Road, with Costa starting his 19th Championship fixture since joining the club on a £15million loan-to-buy deal last summer.
The 26-year-old has now started our last eleven second-tier matches from a right-sided role, though Bielsa would likely have been questioning the one-time international’s place at the break.
As Millwall returned to the dressing rooms holding a 2-0 lead following a torrid opening spell by United, Costa had managed to record 30 touches of the ball, with which he completed 15 of his 19 passes, four of five dribbles, played one key ball and struck one of his two shots on target, per WhoScored data.
Despite only trying his luck once in the second period and seeing his on-target effort saved by Bartosz Bialkowski, lots of supporters were more impressed by Costa’s display after the break.
Is Costa proving to be worth the £15m obligation-to-buy fee?
Yes
No
Along with his sole shot, Costa managed a 95% pass accuracy rating in the second half with 18 of his 19 passes finding teammate, one being a key ball and took 28 touches. However, he did not register any successful dribbles having attempted two, lost his only aerial duel and was dispossessed for the first time in the match.
What stood out for many, though, was the confidence Costa was able to gain from Leeds being on the front foot as we fought back to win 3-2, having shied away into his shell while Millwall took control of proceedings.
Here are some of the messages shared…
Outstanding 2nd arf, Costa upped his game, Paddy fully deserved his goals, atmosphere was great, results went our way, an all round terrific game played by all, special mention to Alioski and Harrison who combined and overlapped each other brilliantly down the left.#LUFC
— Rev twerp fuppet™ (@mojoluafc) January 28, 2020
What a half time team talk costa looked unplayable Alioski and Harrison linking up really well and klitch bossed it great effort role on Saturday safe journey home to all the travelling fans #lufc#mot
— Jason Kaye (@jasonkaye_dj) January 28, 2020
Costa was invisible in the first half the second half he was on 🔥🔥🔥 Hernandez came alive second half and Bamford ran and ran rolled on Saturday it’s going to be electric🔵⚪️🟡
— Boycie (@ivanLUFC) January 28, 2020
For me #Costa needs to show more often the confidence to attack and take people on like he did in the second half last night. Their No. 3 had no answer to it. There is a great player in there waiting to get out. #LUFC
— The Pudsey One (@nigelbarker1971) January 29, 2020
What a night last night. Officials were horrific, Milwall fans were up there with the worst I’ve seen at ER. Pablo, Klich, Harrison, Costa were class 2nd half. As soon as first goal went in it was never in doubt. #lufc
— LUFC (@sergeantwilkos) January 29, 2020
I thought Helder Costa was immense in that second half last night along with Alioski, Pablo and Klich. You could see Millwall’s left back crumbling as the game went on! #lufc #mot
— Lewy Pearce (@LewyPearce) January 29, 2020
Still recovering from that 🤯what a game and a massive 3 points back at church, thought Costa was brilliant, direct for once and unlucky with the late effort that hit the bar, and bam bam bamford😍he has his haters but what a game he had today! All round brilliant 2nd half #LUFC
— Harry Merrell💙💛 (@HarryMLUFC) January 29, 2020
Massive massive come back win, thought Alioski brilliant second half after shocking first, Costa too good in 2nd, Klich our best player throughout #lufc
— arran vaughan (@arranv70) January 28, 2020
In other Leeds United news, Bielsa has been urged to lay down the law with a 22-year-old.