Ian Holloway explains why Helder Costa and Eddie Nketiah aren’t starting yet

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Rapid duo Helder Costa and Eddie Nketiah linked up for Leeds’ winner in the 1-0 victory over Brentford last night, having both come off the bench.

They combined for an EFL Cup goal at Salford last week too, but Ian Holloway, on EFL on Quest, 21/08, 10:48pm, has explained why they’re not starting games yet.

He said: “They haven’t earned the right to be in there yet. He brought them into the squad because they lost Kemar Roofe but what he needs them to do is work at his pressing structure of the front six.

“They did it under pressure – their home form was looking a little bit wobbly if you add in the last few of last year. That was a big test against a very good Brentford side.”

TBR’s View – Bielsa’s approach is working perfectly so far

Keeping new signings on the bench is not an approach every manager would take, but what it does do is keep the duo hungry as well as letting the starting players know that there is quality in reserve if they’re not bang on their game.

Costa and Nketiah’s pace against tiring defences is also a valuable asset, as shown by the late goal last night.

The challenge for Leeds in the transfer market was to get the depth to sustain a title charge and having quality like Costa and Nketiah in reserve – for the time being – suggests they’ve done exactly that.