Diego Costa – The Number of the Beast

Article by Robert Wake

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When Jose Mourinho was frequently quizzed last season about Chelsea’s striking options, he was always diplomatic, and always defended the strikers at the club, and steadfastly refused to spend money on a stop gap solution. He claimed he was waiting for the right profile of striker to become available – he was waiting for Diego da Silva Costa.

The prolific striker signed from Atletico Madrid on 15 July for £32 million. Costa had scored 43 goals for Atletico in 94 appearances. Costa scored four goals in pre-season against Olimpija, Fenerbahce and Real Sociedad, before making his competitive debut against Burnley. He opened his account 17 minutes into the game, forcing the ball home from close range following Branislav Ivanovic’s cross. Costa also found the net on his full home debut, expertly chesting down another Ivanovic cross into just enough space for him to drive the ball under Kasper Schmeichel.

He needed only 30 seconds at Goodison park to add to his tally, running on to Cesc Fabregas’ through ball, before driving a low shot past Tim Howard. In the last minute of the game he collected a pass from Mikel, raced forward, leaving a bemused Sylvain Distin on his backside, before finishing past Howard into the far corner.

On to last Saturday, and his hatrick performance against Swansea City at The Bridge. His first was a header from a Fabregas corner, and his second a smart finish from another Fabregas assist. It should be noted that Fabregas has been a regular provider for Costa, and the pair seem to have struck up an excellent understanding already. I particularly enjoyed his hatrick goal. The anticipation and desire he showed in reading Ramires’ scuffed shot reminded me of the sort of finish Gary Lineker used to specialise in. A true poacher’s goal.

Costa is much more than a poacher though. His link up play outside the box is first rate, his work rate phenomenal, and he has a yard of pace that can embarrass the best of defenders. Best of all, he has a happy knack of being in the right place at the right time. Of course, that ‘knack’ comes from the anticipation and desire I mentioned earlier. Quite simply, Diego Costa comes alive in the box, seeing opportunities that crucial split second before the defender, thus allowing himself the time to turn a half chance into another goal. Costa is a brooding beast of a centre forward, bristling with aggression and attitude, with an insatiable appetite for goals. He has seven already, and there will be many more to come.

Are there any clouds on the horizon? Perhaps a few wispy ones. Costa has picked up 2 yellow cards already (albeit one was for alleged simulation), and has a short fuse that will likely see him miss some matches through suspension. He also appears to be nursing a possible hamstring injury that seems to date back to the end of last season, and will need careful management by Chelsea’s medical team. That said, if this is how he performs when not fully fit, God help the rest of the Premiership when he is.

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