'Shell of himself', 'Not bothered': Some Leeds fans slam first-teamer's 'lethargic' U23s display

Dave is a huge Leeds fan and ardent disciple of Bielsa ball. A career in print magazines that included editing PC Zone, launching PokerPlayer and redesigning The Big Issue has finally led Dave to writing about the love of his life, Leeds United. It’s been a tough 2020 but the single scariest moment was the first quarter of the game against Man City. Rodrigo will be the saviour this season.

Published on:

02 Feb 2021, 2:14 am

Helder Costa was in action for the Leeds United Under-23s on Monday ahead of a Premier League game at Elland Road where he could be expecting his first start since November.

And there are plenty of Leeds fans who aren't excited by that prospect after his display at Thorp Arch on Monday.

Starting the season as the nailed-on right-winger, Costa lost his place to Raphinha after a run of bad form. And Raphinha hasn't looked back since.

However, Raphinha went off injured in the game against Leicester on Sunday and he's a doubt for the game against Everton tomorrow.

Ian Poveda also picked up an injury in the Under-23s game on Monday and if they're both out it means an almost certain start for Costa.

However, some Leeds fans weren't impressed with what they saw. One said Costa was "lethargic" while another said he "looks a shell of himself. Completely void of confidence."

We think that's a bit harsh. We watched the game and saw Costa miss a pretty easy chance early on.

However, after that he looked fairly bright and sharp and could have easily found himself on the scoresheet on a different day.

We think some fans maybe expect too much from first-team players in Under-23s games.

We also think there's some discontent from fans after his recent first-team performances.

Either way, he may well get a chance to prove the doubters wrong against Everton. A bad display there, though, could really threaten his long-term future at the club. It's a chance he really needs to take.

Here are some of the reactions to Costa's performance on Monday...

Watching Helder Costa for the under 23s and he looks a shell of himself. Completely void of confidence 👎
— Chris Johnson (@chrissyLUFC) February 1, 2021

Costa misses an absolute sitter. Goal at his mercy and goes at it with the wrong foot. No excuse for missing that one. 1-0 45 mins #lufc
— The Modern Game (@The_ModernGame) February 1, 2021

Wolves seem to have had our pants down with Costa #lufc
— topman (@4EVAWHITE) February 1, 2021

Not everyone was of the same opinion. Some thought that Costa had a good 45 minutes at Thorp Arch, although they were in the minority...

Shackleton and Poveda are on at HT for Davis and Costa - good first half performances from those two.

Huggins to left back, Summerville to the right with Poveda on the left. Shackleton partners Greenwood in midfield.

Second half underway at Thorp Arch. #LUFC
— LUFC Academy Central (@LUFCacademynews) February 1, 2021

People give Costa a lot of shit for his attitude but I think that's a very simplistic view of why he's slipped down the pecking order. Every time he plays for the u23s, he always applies himself well. #LUFC
— Jibber Jabber (@EthanFromOnline) February 1, 2021

HALF TIME |

Leeds United 1
Roberts pen 16'

Sunderland 0

Great first half from Leeds United and fully deserve their lead, Costa has looked bright today. Casilla has had nothing to do. #LUFC #LEESUN
— Russ (@Sports_journo_X) February 1, 2021

In other Leeds United news, 'Sources at Leeds say' – Phil Hay claims Whites readying formal offer for attacking left-back

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