The catalogue of impressive performances by Diego Costa so far this season has perhaps caught many in the football world by surprise, but not Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
The mercurial striker continues to divide public opinion due to his tenacious approach on the field, culminating in a string of controversies. And the lack of discipline already showcased this year, such as his three yellow cards, prompted Conte to urge his talisman to better channel his aggression prior to the Swansea clash.
“Diego (Costa) is a passionate man and for this reason, sometimes, he risks the yellow card,” Conte said.
Despite this, sport punters are still relying on him – enter bettingsitesuk.co to bet on the best UK bookmakers.
But no one can deny his poise and ubiquitous ability to be prolific in front of goal. The Spain international has been crucial to Chelsea’s resurgence under Conte – scoring four goals in as many matches to lift the Blues into second spot.
POPULAR ARTICLES
How Tottenham Hotspur fans reacted to their 2-1 loss against Monaco
Talking Points: Club Brugge 0 Leicester City 3 – Foxes off to a flyer
Talking Points: Manchester City 4 Borussia Monchengladbach 0 – Aguero brilliance lifts Sky Blues
In his most recent outing against the Swans, the controversial and much maligned player was again at the centre of attention – mostly for the right reasons. His superb brace salvaged a point for the Stamford Bridge outfit equalising courtesy of a spectacular overhead kick.
Indeed, the negative headlines would still follow the former Atletico Madrid man when he was fortunate to escape a second yellow card for simulation. It was the third time this season Costa has drawn scrutiny, where the Brazilian-born Spaniard could have easily have been sent off while already cautioned for a previous offence.
In mitigation, Costa appeared to be targeted throughout the match – justified by three Swans players receiving cautions for indiscretions on the 27-year-old.
Following the game, Conte reserved praised for Costa for not yielding to any retaliation tactics, but raised concerns his star man is being targeted.
“I want to say, only, that after every game the press ask me about the passion of Diego Costa,” Conte said after the 2-2 draw against Swansea.
“Today I can say Diego Costa showed fantastic behaviour to control the situation. He took a lot of kicks from the first minute until the end of the game.
“The defenders know him and, sometimes, try to provoke him.”
As a consequence of several incidents over the years, there is no question Costa’s reputation precedes him. Though if the Chelsea number nine can control his emotions on the pitch, the Blues have demonstrated they are more than capable of contending for the title with the two Manchester clubs – especially without the exertions of European football.
Speculation was rife over the summer linking the Spaniard with a return to Atletico, but Conte poured cold water over the rumours – stating he was not for sale.
That decision has paid massive dividends as he has begun the season in a rich vein of form, in spite of a limited pre-season. Costa has reciprocated the faith shown by Conte and is now reaping the rewards. He has single-handedly garnered seven points for the ex-Juventus boss, netting the winning goals against West Ham and Watford and of course recently rescuing a deserved point in Wales.
In addition to his prowess in and around the box, he has also amassed an assist in the only match he has failed to score in – further exhibiting another string to his bow.
Costa’s contribution to the team is not only constricted to his goal scoring exploits and score involvements. He is the first line of defence employing a high-press in an attempt to dispossess opposing defenders and has also drawn 15 fouls.
Despite holding the status as arguably the most resented footballer in the Premier League, Costa’s determination and steadfastness is contagious.
Love him or envy him, you cannot disregard his incredible start to the campaign under the tutelage of Conte.
Onwards and upwards.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
