Marcelo Bielsa has admitted that his tactics of high pressing and possession have limited the impact of Helder Costa.
The 25-year-old is on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers – which will become permanent next summer for £15m.
However, he has struggled to make an impact at Elland Road so far, having made 12 appearances scoring no goals and providing one assist.
This is a shame because Costa in two seasons with Wolves in the Championship proved he was one of the best wingers in the league with 15 goals and 14 assists in 83 games.
Bielsa thinks that because Leeds aim to keep possession of the ball and press high, he cannot exploit Costa’s best attribute – which is his pace.
There is often no space for the Portuguese winger to run into and so his impact is somewhat limited.
Bielsa, of course, will not change his style of play to suit one player, and he outlined what he wants Costa to do instead of running in behind.
The Argentine stated that he wants Costa to dribble with the ball, but only when he receives a pass that is in front of him – allowing him to carry his momentum forward with the ball and cause opposition defence’s some serious problems.
Costa is too good to struggle for much longer, and he will soon be causing havoc in the Championship again – he just needs to listen to Bielsa’s advice.