Paul Robinson: Costa’s confidence knocked at Leeds United
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist, each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Marcelo Bielsa’s decision to hand Helder Costa patchy game-time this season has affected the Leeds United winger’s confidence, according to Paul Robinson.
Costa, 27, has struggled to impress ever since he first joined Leeds on loan from Wolves in 2019.
In the first games of this season, after a permanent move to Elland Road was sealed, it looked as though the winger would come good for the Whites with Noel Whelan hailing an “incredible” performance against Fulham in September [Football Insider].
However, it would be fair to say that we’ve only seen Costa at his best a handful of times since then.
Robinson has an explanation for that.
Raphinha has been a revelation since his arrival at Elland Road with the Brazilian proving to be one of the most exciting wingers in the Premier League.
He’s one of the first names on Bielsa’s teamsheet when he’s fit while Jack Harrison is also ahead of Costa and that has led to the ex-Wolves winger’s confidence being hit.
When asked about Costa’s form, Robinson said told MOT Leeds News: “He’s got an uphill task now because Raphinha’s come in and he’s set the level you need to hit and has shown how to play that position.
“Anyone who comes in for Raphinha, whether he’s injured or something, they have a big task to live up to. It showed [against Liverpool] the difference in class.
“Raphinha is definitely the bargain of the season.
“Helder Costa, I think he just lacks a bit of confidence at the moment.
“He is a direct player and at the start of the season he was running at players, he was taking players on.
“But I think he’s had his confidence knocked by being taken in and out of the side.
“It’s Jack Harrison and Raphinha and Harrison had a little bit of a wobble and there was a month or so he was rotated each week.
“It cost Harrison but he’s got the shirt back now and Helder’s the one who misses out until there are injuries.”
Costa has made 21 Premier League appearances for Leeds this season, scoring two goals and supplying three assist in the process.
However, only two of those goal contributions have come since October and the one-time Portugal international has started just 12 top-flight fixtures.
It’s definitely been a tough few months for the ex-Wolves man but hopefully he can still show his worth before the season is up.
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