Chelsea forward Diego Costa has been one of the buys of the season. His £32m move from Atletico Madrid always looked like a good bit of business by Jose Mourinho but the seventeen goals that he has scored in the Premier League already have shown just how shrewd the ‘Special One’ is.

Whilst Manchester United were willing to pay huge sums to attract big names like Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, Mourinho was more measured in his approach and worked to make small changes to his already well-functioning team.

Missing Goals – After Chelsea narrowly missed out on the title last season, it was widely discussed by experts at the likes of blue square, that all that Chelsea were really missing was goals. In Cesc Fabregas, Mourinho found a man to create chances for his team. In Costa, he found a man to finish those chances. And he managed to keep the books balanced in the process.

Hidden Qualities – Given his goalscoring record it is easy to forget what else Costa brings to the Chelsea team; his work-rate and abrasiveness are two qualities that are often overlooked. Costa worries defences and draws attention away from his team-mates. He is also willing to stay on his feet and hold the ball up in order to create chances. The 26-year-old gets under defenders’ skin and is not willing to let them have things their own way. It is this quality that sets him apart but could also make him a target for referees.

Walking a Tightrope – Over the course of two legs of the Capital One Cup semi-final against Liverpool, Costa reportedly squared up to Jordan Henderson in the tunnel and could have been sent off twice for two ugly stamps at Stamford Bridge. The Spanish international will claim that they were accidental but individual referees would view the incidents differently. There is no doubt that some would have given him his marching orders. Regardless of whether Costa avoids retrospective punishment following the Liverpool game (He has been charged by the FA), he will be watched closely when he takes to the field from now on. Costa must learn where to draw the line if he is to continue to contribute so effectively to Chelsea’s season.

Diego Costa is now walking a tightrope! Jose Mourinho and the Chelsea support will be desperate for him not to fall off.

Posted on January 28th, 2015 by scott
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