Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa will play a key role in whatever system is thrown at them from Kaizer Chiefs, according to coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
Costa has emerged as one of the key figures in the Sundowns squad since his lucrative move from Belgian club SK Beveren with 20 goals and nine assists in 43 games.
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However, his influence on how Sundowns play this season has notably changed, playing in a deeper role, either as a wide forward or dropping into the 10 position.
“Lucas is a very dynamic footballer, very talented, we always believe he has something to give us at any given stage, the good thing is that he plays in all phases of the game, he can play at build-up, he can be very important in between the lines,” he said.
“In the consolidation phase, we can always establish play from him, he’s a strong boy who is able to receive with a back foot and drive forward. But also we can use him on breaks and counter attacks because he is quick enough to exploit the gaps opponents give you.
“It makes it easier when you have players like those who can give you different variables of the game, within one match, as it is now, nobody knows how the game is going to be. We might think it’s open, but what if it’s a low-block? What if it’s a high press?
“All these moments of the game are important for us as a big team, to prepare and be ready for all of them.”
Costa has scored four goals in six games this season across all competitions.
