When Chelsea signed Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid in the summer, it was a clear signal of intent from the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s problems last season were compounded by lacklustre finishing up front. Fernando Torres is a shadow of his former self, and Demba Ba was never the prolific goal scorer a club like Chelsea demand. In Diego Costa though, they have ultimately found what they have been missing since the days of Didier Drogba terrifying opponents on a weekly basis.
Torres was meant to be that man, but as we all know, the Spaniard ultimately failed to live up to the heavy expectations that were resting on his shoulders. Even during his last (half) season at Liverpool, the signs were there that he wasn’t what he once was. The constant injuries had taken their toll on his knees and the signs that he was on the decline were starting to show.
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That wasn’t going to stop Roman Abramovich getting what he wanted, though. The Spaniard arrived from Liverpool in January 2011 for £50 million (on deadline day, mind you), but as we now know, the purchase proved to be a spectacular failure.
The Torres that set the world alight at Liverpool remained at Anfield it seemed. The explosive runs, leaving defenders for dead and deadly finishing escaped him during his time in London. The growing sense of frustration was becoming more and more apparent in each passing game and you could see it coming through in his body language.
For someone who was once considered the best striker in the world, or thereabouts, it was almost like he had forgotten how to play football. Not only was he bereft of confidence, but it was like all his ability had suddenly disappeared and the confidence he thrived on was non-existent.
Things needed to change and fast. An aging Samuel Eto’o was signed at the beginning of last season. At 32 though, his best days were past him, and the once prolific Cameroonian was never going to more than a stopgap at best.
Come season 2013/14, Diego Costa was terrorising defence’s in La Liga and was well sort after. A powerful striker, who could hold the ball up with relative ease, while still being able to finish well and being deadly in the air, he finished third in La Liga’s scoring charts with 27 goals.
It became only logical for Chelsea to go all out for Costa. His release cause of £32 million was met and a £150,000 a week contract was signed to all but mark the start of his Stamford Bridge career.
His form in the Premier League has been nothing short of blistering. Eight goals in six games sees him topping the goal scoring charts, with his next closest rival three behind. And with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard et al to supply him, it’s unlikely that he’ll ever struggle with service.
The physicality he has in his game is perfectly suited to the tough tackling, English game. At 6’2, and 81 kilograms, he is certainly no pushover. While he may not be as heavy as fan favourite Didier Drogba, he is almost a carbon copy when you look at their style of play and assets. Drogba was a handful for defenders, and by what Costa has shown already, he is heading down the same track and doesn’t look to be letting up.
It is the final piece of Jose Mourinho’s jigsaw puzzle. He strengthened where he needed to last season by singing Nemanja Matic for strength in midfield. Ashley Cole was shown the door with Filipe Luis coming in as a replacement (also from Atletico), and with Costa, it’s the last stroke on the canvas to complete what should be a masterpiece.
Costa has already endeared himself to Chelsea fans in his brief time in West London already. If he continues to score consistently, it’s hard to see Chelsea not be a force for a very long time, with Costa spearheading Chelsea’s attack.
