Victor Orta says 2019 Leeds signing ‘hasn’t yet reached the peak’

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Leeds United’s director of football Victor Orta spoke to Portuguese outlet Record about Helder Costa.

The Portugal international initially joined Leeds on a season-long loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He played 46 games in all competitions last term and directly contributed to 13 goals.

The loan move was made permanent at the start of this season for a reported fee of £16 million (talkSPORT). The 26-year-old has started every game in the league this term and has two goals and two assists to his name so far.

Orta spoke about his side’s decision to bring Costa to Leeds. He claimed that the former Wolves man was one of the foundations of the Marcelo Bielsa era, but admitted that he has not yet reached his peak.

The Leeds man said: “He’s (Helder Costa) a reference player and one of the foundations of the project. After a lot of work, humility and impressive human quality, I feel that he’s improving and I believe that he hasn’t yet reached the peak at Leeds.”

On his day, Costa can win games for Leeds on his own. However, consistency has been one of his biggest issues since his move to Elland Road.

Bielsa has kept his faith in him so far. Costa, naturally a right-winger, has played on the left on a couple of occasions this season. He needs to perform at consistent level now, as there are others pushing for a starting spot in his position.

Summer signing Raphina made a name for himself at Rennes last season. The Brazilian scored nine goals and provided five assists for the Ligue 1 side and, once he settles in well, he will give Costa a run for his money.

Young Ian Poveda is not too far away from a regular spot in the team either. The 20-year-old has come off the bench four times in the league this season and has impressed every time. He too will be pushing for Costa’s spot, which puts a lot of pressure on the former Wolves man.

Orta clearly believes that he is improving. Costa’s attacking output has to go up to remain in the starting XI this season. If his form dips, he will have to settle for a spot on the bench with one of Raphina or Poveda taking his place.