Helder Costa was hooked at half-time by Valencia manager Jose Bordalas during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Alaves – and the out-on-loan Leeds star has been given a 2/10 rating by Spanish outlet El Desmarque for his display.
Costa, 28, was handed just his second start of 2022 for Valencia – after the La Liga side brought in Bryan Gil from Tottenham on loan. Indeed, Angola international Costa has dropped to the bench – but started on Sunday.
However, it did not last long. Costa was hooked after 45 minutes as Valencia went on to lose 2-1 away at Alaves. Indeed, Costa has struggled this season to have a real impact in the final third – failing to score in 20 appearances.
The ex-Wolves man has only laid on two assists in that time, too. El Desmarque handed him a brutal 2/10 rating, saying: “Substituted at half-time. He did not contribute anything interesting in his return.”
Costa struggles: Leeds man unlikely to earn permanent Valencia deal
It was a surprise move initially. Costa had fallen down the pecking order at Leeds, so to get a move to a club as big as Valencia was a shock. While he has had a decent amount of game time, he looks devoid of confidence.
During the entire first 45 minutes against Alaves, Costa touched the ball 11 times – and he conceded two fouls, according to WhoScored. Little surprise he was taken off at the break and replaced by Maxi Gomez.
Super Deporte claim that Valencia would have to pay £17million to sign Costa permanently. An astronomical figure, even if he was impressing. But he is far from impressing, and far from that figure. He will return to Leeds.
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