Helder Costa playing for Angola could benefit Leeds United
Leeds United winger Helder Costa has been called up to the Angola squad ahead of their African Cup of Nations qualifiers later in March.
The 27-year-old had previously represented Portugal in a friendly in 2018 but has switched allegiances to the country he was born in.
Angola will play against The Gambia and Gabon in March to end their qualification process for the competition. They’re bottom of their group, which also contains the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Leeds’ number 17 will no doubt play a big role for his national side. He is one of two English based players named in the squad. Jeremie Bela of Birmingham City is the other.
It’s a move that should see him take a lot of responsibility, coming into the set-up as the only player from the Premier League. It could work out a good arrangement for all involved, especially those at Leeds.
More minutes
Costa has started just 10 Premier League games this season for Leeds United. Overall, the winger has played 1001 minutes, completing the full 90 just four times [WyScout]. He hasn’t played a full game in the top-flight since the defeat to Leicester in November.
He has scored three goals and got two assists this season. Whilst there are certainly worse records in the top-flight, they’re numbers that could do with boosting. It’s hard to improve on your goal involvements when you’re struggling for game time, which is the main issue for Costa.
His main issue this season has been the arrival of Raphinha. The Brazilian winger oozes class and is the first name on Bielsa’s teamsheet every week. Competition in the squad is what we need to succeed in this division, but it can be argued that Costa is struggling to cope with it.
Jack Harrison on the other wing has taken to the league very well. The 24-year-old has scored six league goals and assisted twice. Bielsa is quick to change his wingers if he feels that the XI on the pitch isn’t working, so Harrison and Costa are usually the fall guys.
Going away and playing international football can only be a good thing for Costa. The responsibility that will no doubt be put on his shoulders will be good for him also. Hopefully, he can shine away with Angola and we’ll reap the rewards in April.
In other Leeds United news, Niall Huggins has been called up to the Wales U21 squad.