Lens are one of the giants in French football. The team has performed well in the past couple of seasons and even played in the UEFA Champions League in the current campaign. Over the years, the transfer business has reached new heights. Clubs are now spending huge to secure the signing of a player. Teams like Lens often struggle to keep hold of their key players. The main players attract attention from big clubs and a big transfer fee secures their signing.
Lens are currently sitting sixth in the Ligue 1 table. They face a lot of competition for European football in the coming season. One player who missed the start of the season and returned to action is David Costa. The 23-year-old Portuguese rose through Lens’ setup and has shown some promise.
Last season, Costa failed to secure a regular spot in the team. He was more of a used substitute than a regular player. After sitting on the sidelines in the opening games, Costa has returned to action. Let’s look at some stats that show what this youngster could add to Lens’ success in the remaining season.
Threat in the final third
David Costa has shown a lot of versatility playing behind the striker. His main position is down the left flank. In the last six league games, Costa has taken different positions in the final third and has plenty of touches in the final third.
David Costa has added more quality to his game and his runs are more threatening than last season. In the 2022-23 season, Costa averaged 3.8 progressive runs per 90 minutes. He completed 52.5% of his dribbles. Most of these runs started in the middle of the park and ended in the final third.
This season, things are a bit different for the youngster. The number of runs has gone down to 2.76 per 90 minutes. However, the last six games have been a bit different. The player started his runs in the attacking half and tried to penetrate the penalty box with these runs.
Creative side & end product
David Costa failed to make a huge impact since getting into the first team. Limited game time has resulted in inconsistency. Last season, the youngster created two goals. He created 23 shot assist chances. Most of these passes were delivered in the centre of the penalty box.
This season, the player returned to form in the last match played in January. The forward scored his first goal of the season. His first assist came in a 3-1 win against Strasbourg. The 23-year-old is active on set-pieces and has 14 shot-assist chances to his name.
In addition to his two assists are three goals scored by the player. These goals came in three consecutive games. In the last six games, the youngster has taken 11 shots and seven have been on target. Costa has taken goal-scoring positions on the edge of the penalty box and converted three chances.
David Costa is starting to make an impact in French football. He will look to continue this form and lead Lens to a top-four finish.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine