Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan is backing new signing Helder Costa to be 'excellent' next season, but only if he is played in a certain position.
Costa signed for the Whites on Wednesday, agreeing a one-year loan deal with an obligation to buy the Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker next summer on a four-year contract.
Whelan, who featured 48 times for his boyhood team and now summarises on matches for Marcelo Bielsa's side for BBC Radio Leeds, reckons he knows where Costa should feature this season.
The one-cap Portugal international has regularly been deployed as a winger throughout his career, operating on both flanks with the occasional stint down the middle.
Whelan reckons Costa could flourish in the 'number 10' role if he is deployed there by Bielsa.
“He (Costa) is a guaranteed starter," Whelan told Football Insider. "Pablo Hernandez will continue on the right flank and there will be a battle between Jack Harrison and Jack Clarke as to who will play on the left wing.
“Costa is likely to play across different attacking positions, and he could play quite often in the number ten role. He has the ability and would be a natural choice in that area because that’s where star men play.
“For me, Leeds are getting an excellent number 10 and an excellent all-round forward. Pablo Hernandez was wasted sometimes on the right flank last season, and you could have him and Costa interchanging positions and making things happen.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Costa running at defenders and getting on the ball. He is great at manipulating the ball, has tricks, pace and an eye for a pass.”
