Helder Costa has been a regular at Leeds United this season, featuring in all 37 fixtures in the Championship season.  

Leeds sit top of the Championship table and Costa has returned three goals and two assists, with the jury still out on the 26-year-old winger who will cost Leeds £15m on a permanent deal from Wolves.

The Premier League club have cashed in on the winger, with Alex Dicken of Birmingham Live offering a fairly scathing assessment of Costa’s time at Elland Road so far.

Speaking to Leeds Live, Dicken said: “I can't claim to have seen an awful lot of Costa, but when I have watched Leeds I've been disappointed by him.

“The performances for Leeds I've seen fit in with what we saw from Costa during his final two seasons at Wolves. He's very much a player on a downward spiral. 

“The Costa who ripped the Championship to shreds in 2016/17 hasn't been seen in a good while now and a return of three goals and two assists in the Championship is very ordinary for such a talented player.”

Costa has been causing debate all season, and in response to these claims, Leeds fans have now jumped to the defence of their winger.

Here is a look at the pick of what they said…

Paul Norris: “Has been very good lately, have seen him get knocked off the ball easily and give up a couple of times when tracking back or covering right back but has worked hard pressing going forward. Not the same stats he showed as Wolves got promoted but we play a more patient build up and different style of play. Would like to see him stay and improve further.”

Arron Richmond: “He's absolutely worth what we've got him for and has been very good this season. Defences sitting deep stop him playing to his natural abilities and almost every defence we play does that. He's still found ways through and a bit better finishing a bit more luck he'd have a very healthy goals return. Work rate has improved massively and he's in our best eleven, which tells you everything for me.”

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Terry Mason: “He’s been poor for a player with his undoubted talent flits in and out of games and rarely impresses wouldn't think he’s a £15 million player more like £2 million.”

Paul Appleyard: “He’s better than he’s shown this season needs nurturing to bring the best out of him, needs to be stronger only my opinion.”

Johnny Drake: “Personally, I think he's been very good in recent weeks (relative term given the current situation). I think he's finally adapted to the pace and requirements Bielsa places on his players - which is very different to anywhere he's played before. My criticism of him early season was his inability to do the right final pass/cross/shot...he always seemed to hold onto the ball long after he should have played it. He now seems to be where we want him to be. I think he'll be a quality permanent acquisition, albeit a bit pricey.”

Lee Onions: “I don't think he's been poor. Very hot and cold but unplayable some games. Reminds me of jack's first season and look at him now.”

Danny Bambrook: “Getting better with every match, always shows flashes but yet to see a complete performance. Given time I think he will be a great player for us.”

Tim Cox: “Wasn't overly impressed for quite a while. But he has started to show that he is a valuable Player for the team.”

 

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