This evening I would like to preach to you about Helder Costa. I think I've read more criticism of him than any other player throughout the season - expecting him to deliver more goal contributions. However, I think many are miss what he has brought to our ball progression. #lufc

The visual above shows every successful progressive carry Costa has made this season. These are primarily on the right flank, as expected, but the positioning of them is interesting to me. The majority start in deeper positions than you might expect.

Costa is often tasked with carrying the ball from the midfield third, rather than being given it in the final third to run onto. It's not that they never do that, but Leeds often have banks of defenders in front of them which makes that hard to do.

Instead, Costa acts as a weapon in transition. Here is one of my favourite examples of this in action.

Luke Ayling played the ball out of Leeds' defensive third to Costa, who had a man on his back. Knowing he was coming, Costa span him with his first touch and was away.

He was heading for the open space in front of him, but could see that there was a covering defender coming to cut him off.

Slowing his pace a little, he dipped a shoulder and quickly changed direction, leaving both WBA players behind him.

Now he was causing WBA serious problems, with their defence back-pedalling. He played a well-weighted pass into the feet of Jack Harrison, who had an opportunity to attack the penalty area.

In a matter of seconds, Costa carried Leeds from one end of the pitch to another and allowed for a very promising opportunity. I'm not saying Costa doesn't need more of a final product - I think that is slightly lacking. However, he has become a very important player for Leeds.

If you think he's been poor or a waste of money, I'm sorry, but I think you're very wrong.