Noel Whelan reacts to Helder Costa’s display in Leeds defeat

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Noel Whelan has told BBC Radio Leeds (broadcast on 28/9 from 17:00) that he felt that Helder Costa offered absolutely nothing on his first league start for Leeds United.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men dropped points on the road for the first time this season on Saturday. They were beaten 1-0 at the Valley by Charlton Athletic.

It was a familiar story for Leeds. They dominated possession and most of the game was played in Charlton’s half. However, they failed to create too many clear chances, and the Addicks rarely looked like conceding.

There was plenty of anticipation heading into the game. Costa had came off the bench eight times before Saturday. But Pablo Hernandez’s injury allowed the Portuguese to start for the first time in the Championship.

Unfortunately, the 25-year-old – who Leeds will sign permanently for £15 million next summer, according to the Daily Mail – endured an incredibly disappointing afternoon. He struggled to ask questions of Lee Bowyer’s side, and Whelan slammed his performance after the final whistle.

“Poor. I was so excited before the game. Absolutely didn’t think he did enough during the game. He didn’t go past anybody. He put one ball in which I thought was dangerous which was turned behind for a corner. Bar that, absolutely zero,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.

“The question is if he’s not good enough now for the Premier League with Wolves, how’s he going to be good enough for Premier League with Leeds if we get there,” he went on to add.

TBR’s View

In fairness to Costa, he was not the only Leeds player who should be disappointed with his performance. It was a poor afternoon, and one that has left plenty of the Elland Road faithful feeling much more pessimistic about the rest of the season.

It has probably not been easy for the winger to impress given the more peripheral role he has played so far. However, he now has a lot to prove.

And with Leeds hosting new league leaders West Brom on Tuesday, Costa may have the perfect stage to prove that point.