Tonight was Leeds United’s second friendly in consecutive days as the Whites travelled the relatively short distance to Nethermoor to take on local neighbours Guiseley.
It was a game where a majority of younger players were bolstered with the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Mateusz Klich, Gjanni Alioski and new signing Helder Costa. It was a game that tested the Whites mettle on a number of occasions, Guiseley providing stiff competition despite their struggles and non-league status.
It was actually the home side who took the lead, capitalising on an error from the captain for the day Kalvin Phillips. The in-demand midfielder let a ball bounce beyond him, Guiseley forward Kaine Felix stroking the ball past a hesitant Bailey Peacock-Farrell. From then on it was majority Leeds pressure, but pressure without an end result.
For many Leeds United fans, tonight’s friendy gave them the opportunity to see marquee signing Helder Costa up close and personal at Nethermoor, a compact ground where fans are almost in and amongst the action themselves. For those turning up to cast their eyes over the former Benfica and Wolves man, he didn’t disappoint.
Costa was a handful, and the Lions were wary of his poise and guile. He showed that ability to get away from defenders in a heartbeat, as well as that silky-smooth touch and control of the ball at his feet. It was all this that saw him draw numerous fouls across the evening.
There was plenty of evidence of his mazy running, running that makes him so hard to handle for opposition defences. It was one such run (below) that brought the Whites level.
https://twitter.com/LUFC_Goals/status/1149411087701299201
The control of the ball at his feet, the pivot and turn and speed he got away from the defender showed his class. The finish, a shot across the keeper with his right foot, was precision personified. It was a class finish to round off a very encouraging night for the fleet-footed winger.
It was also a performance well received by Leeds fans over on Twitter. Here’s what some of them thought after the Guiseley game.
Leeds United fans comment over Costa display vs Guiseley
Costa is a beast.
— Un Tipo Común (@untipocomun198) July 11, 2019
Great picture – Costa and Phillips – what a combo !!!!
— Mickus (@l33dsmm) July 11, 2019
Helder Costa has proved himself already 🙌😍🤩#lufc
— LUFCHirsty (@lufc_hirsty) July 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/stevie_lufc/status/1149423905393782784
Costa very impressive #lufc was only Guiseley in a pre season friendly but you can see the quality is thier, once that match sharpness is 100% he'll have us firing this year #mot
— James (@Wessiewhite) July 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/Joeleeds90/status/1149420213693235200
https://twitter.com/lufctyro/status/1149418270346424320
