Angola coach Pedro Gonçalves has hailed Leeds United forward Hélder Costa, believing he can be his country’s own Cristiano Ronaldo.
Costa is currently spending the season on loan with Valencia, who he joined at the end of the transfer window after Leeds signed Dan James from Manchester United.
After a rocky start to life in Spain, he’s established himself as a key player for the club, with a series of impressive performances earning him rave reviews.
Much of this has been down to the faith shown in him by manager Jose Bordalas, who, despite not asking for the player, has turned him into a key player in his system.
It’s something Costa has spoken about regularly over the last few weeks, making it clear he is far happier in Spain than he was at Leeds, where he struggled to establish himself or prove his worth to Marcelo Bielsa.
He’s now thriving because of the faith shown in him by Bordalas, and his national coach admits it’s a conversation they’ve both had as well.
“Hélder Costa, respecting everyone, can be like our Cristiano; he’s our star,” Gonçalves told Marca.
“I’m delighted with his behaviour and attitude. He acts like one of us and has adapted with personality and humanity. He hasn’t arrived saying ‘I’m a star’. He has given his all and is a reference for the emerging values of this country.
“About his time at Valencia we have spoken, and he is delighted, and he has spent a lot of time at Leeds and always having to prove himself.
“Now he’s delighted and involved, he wasn’t so much at Leeds, now he’s feeling good and little by little he’s going to give his best.
“For us, he is our star and we need him to be at his best. He is taking steps towards success.”
Valencia’s financial situation got even worse this week, with losses of €31m announced, €4m more than predicted. That could be make it difficult for the club to complete a permanent transfer with Leeds United, unless they secure sales first.
