Helder Costa

[weasel]

I think Jack Harrison has showed how much a player can improve under Bielsa but also how long it can take to really unlock the potential. I think it is the same with Costa albeit Costa was probably more advanced then Harrison was initially. When you look at how well players have developed having worked under Bielsa even for just a short while, such as Laporte & Mendy, then you really have to wonder how good he could make a team if he stayed at a club for a few years.

[Cjay]

Early days but all 3 goal contributions from Mr Frothy this season have been top class.

The pass for Klich and his 2 goals today all brilliant.

Great weight on the pass.

Great control and composure for the volley and brilliant technique for the 2nd (anyone whose played football even in the park knows how hard it is to control a shot like that).

Early days but maybe Costa is starting to fulfil the early potential he showed at Wolves? Before that injury he seemed destined for the top.

He is quick, quite strong, carries the ball well, tricky, if he can add the end product we are seeing so far he is a £40mil player.

[andrewjohnsmith]

Early days but all 3 goal contributions from Mr Frothy this season have been top class.

The pass for Klich and his 2 goals today all brilliant.

Great weight on the pass.

Great control and composure for the volley and brilliant technique for the 2nd (anyone whose played football even in the park knows how hard it is to control a shot like that).

Early days but maybe Costa is starting to fulfil the early potential he showed at Wolves? Before that injury he seemed destined for the top.

He is quick, quite strong, carries the ball well, tricky, if he can add the end product we are seeing so far he is a £40mil player.

Brilliant from him today

When Bielsa told Orta he wanted Costa, I thought he was sending him out for coffee. Little did we know, it really was Helder Costa that he wanted.

Cracking first goal. He's looked great in the first two games. And yes, £40 million plus.

[1964white]

[mothbanquet]

Even well into the second half when we started conceding he was twisting and turning, playing his way out of danger where possible. And it was so nice to see him score from the left too!

[Cjay]

Wonder what he has done to drop down the pecking order so much?

4th choice winger now behind Harrison, Raph and Poveda and for all we know Ali also.

He has had his moments like all this season but also Raph deserves his spot.

But why Harrison over Costa?

Costa has made 4 goal contributions in far fewer minutes (same as Harrison).

So is it because of the defensive side?

And how has Poveda managed to force his way ahead? He must have really impressed MB given how strict MB is on his pecking order.

Feel a bit sorry for Costa though, some players seem to have unlimited trust and faith from MB.

[The Subhuman]

Of course it's the defensive side plus Costa is a better right winger than left..

[Cjay]

Costa's cameo reminded me of the Eboue one for Arsenal years ago.

Dreadful, and unfortunately it probably saves the very underperforming Harrison.

[andrewjohnsmith]

Costa's cameo reminded me of the Eboue one for Arsenal years ago.

Dreadful, and unfortunately it probably saves the very underperforming Harrison.

I think that's a bit harsh. None of our forward players found any joy against their set up - Costa, Harrison, Rodrigo, Klich. Raphinha had a little more through is own class. Most of what we created was from deep positions, like Philips and Cooper for the penalty. It was the fault of the system that we weren't able to open them up a little more at the back. I'll admit that we need a little more class like Raphinha to make it happen. Rodrigo doesn't look fully fit. But I can't blast Costa. He's had some really good games for us this season. Yesterday, the game wasn't for him, or any of our attacking players

[Cjay]

Mr Frothy take a bow.

Best performance for ages.

Worked his arse off, did his defensive job and tried to attack when he could.

Crucial in both goals.

[SG90]

Very good yesterday. Probably his best performance of the season.

[The Subhuman]

Was my MOTM until very late, agreed best game of the season for him. There is a very good player there

[Currie14]

Still a bit lightweight for me, gets brushed off the ball too easily. Needs bulking up a bit,,,,,,,A hybrid of Costa & Traore would be something to behold

[Lumiukko]

Was excellent yesterday and was an able deputy for Harrison. Worked his socks off and always provided an outlet, which culminated with the assist to the assist for the final goal.

Good to see him have a good game as he's definitely a confidence player and I hope this does a lot of good for him.

[Cjay]

After tonight this has to be bumped.

What do we do with him?

By all accounts he was dire again, just poor, weak, ineffectual etc according to match reports and stuff.

Its clear now that whatever he had has gone, confidence, fitness, whatever but its gone.

Problem is he has 3 years left on his contract and his contract will be substantial. Jorge Mendes will have made sure that Costa got a contract befitting a clubs record signing as he was at the time.

And all the wage increases and stuff that comes with being a Premier League player, he will have cost the club an absolute fortune make no mistake, in wages, in agents fees, in transfer fees, more than probably every player apart from Rodrigo.

So what do we do because as it stands he is part of our wafer thin squad and MB will use him regardless.

Can he be fixed?

[1964white]

Championship winger at best!

[Irish Ian]

After tonight this has to be bumped.

What do we do with him?

By all accounts he was dire again, just poor, weak, ineffectual etc according to match reports and stuff.

Its clear now that whatever he had has gone, confidence, fitness, whatever but its gone.

Problem is he has 3 years left on his contract and his contract will be substantial. Jorge Mendes will have made sure that Costa got a contract befitting a clubs record signing as he was at the time.

And all the wage increases and stuff that comes with being a Premier League player, he will have cost the club an absolute fortune make no mistake, in wages, in agents fees, in transfer fees, more than probably every player apart from Rodrigo.

So what do we do because as it stands he is part of our wafer thin squad and MB will use him regardless.

Can he be fixed?

My hope is that he hits a run of great form and kicks on from there, but perhaps him knowing he is a bench player doesn't help him. And for me that is the paradox. For him to get a run it woukd mean that Harrison or Raph would be missing and that is unthinkable.

As you said he is a big investment for the club and that is a worry.

But he isn't alone. I think we would be fine as long as Roberts and Rod aren't on the pitch. Those two being shoehorned into a deeper role doesn't help at all.

Can he be fixed?

Hope so.
Maybe he just needs a couple of assists.

[SG90]

If we're not singing anyone, then he has to be involved. The best way to build his confidence would be bringing him on when we're comfortably clear. But if he can't be motivated in front of 34k v a League One side, then I don't see how he ever will.

[The Subhuman]

Really can't comment as I didn't see the game last night, I think he's better on the left than right and one of our weaker defensive players (remember the days when that wouldn't have been an issue) Played very well start of last season so he has it in him.

[White Riot]

He's got speed and skill, but really seems to lack confidence, and physical/mental durability.

He set off well when we first loaned him, but has just fizzled out like a damp squib. Seems like another expensive mistake, and let's hope Rodrigo isn't the next one.

Shame Summerville, Gelhardt and Greenwood, aren't given the opportunities that him and Roberts have been afforded.