Ben Parker claims Leeds can help Helder Costa improve

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Ben Parker has recognised that Leeds United’s Helder Costa is struggling at present, but feels that he can improve if he gets the ball more often to his feet.

The rapid winger joined the Whites in the summer on an initial loan deal before a permanent switch and is yet to set the world alight at Elland Road.

He’s scored a goal and assisted two more during two appearances in the Carabao Cup, but in the league he’s fallen well short of expectations.

Costa is yet to score in any of his 14 Championship appearances this campaign and has just one assist under his belt, which is a surprise in a team that usually dominate possession.

Ex-Leeds defender Parker believes that the Yorkshire giants can get more out of the wide man and needs to play to his strengths.

“I think Costa is a type of player where he enjoys a lot of space in behind the back four, behind the full-back to utilise his biggest asset his speed,” Parker said, as quoted by LS11’s official Youtube account.

“I think we can help him out, give him the service to feet. I think he’s one of those players where he wants loads of touches. I think it’s difficult when teams are defending so deep.“

TBR’s View:

Costa is yet to still fully come out of his shell in a Leeds shirt and it’s a good idea to give him plenty of possession, but at the moment he’s not being anywhere near as dangerous as he can be.

The Portuguese wide man helped Wolverhampton Wanderers romp to promotion from the Championship in the 2017/18 campaign and he was excellent in the second-tier division.

He’s got the pace and trickery to terrorise Championship full-backs, but looks a little short of confidence and not everything is coming off for him.

Costa has to be far braver on the ball during the next few games to try keep his spot in the XI and it’s a case of adapting to Bielsa’s system.