Diego Costa has been in scintillating for this season, scoring a league-leading eight goals so far this season. And the Spaniard was again on the target yesterday, leading the Blues to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Southampton. Former Chelsea midfielder, Ruud Gullit has indicated the difficulty of playing against Diego Costa. The former Dutch midfielder went on to explain how the striker’s movements and physical presence is a “pain” to play against for opposing defences.
Speaking about his time at managing Chelsea, Gullit stated that he was appreciative of players like Costa, “He's a handful and I'd like to play with a player like this."
Gullit pointed out the strengths of the striker stating, “His work rate opens spaces for you. When you're a striker, you know that if he goes right, you go left because all the attention goes to him”
Gullit, who played and managed Chelsea in the Premier League during the 90s was the first Dutchman to manage a side in the league. During his time with the club, he guided Chelsea to an FA Cup win, the club's first major trophy in 26 years.
Indeed he has often stated in interviews that his time at the London club was the happiest in his career. In an archived interview with The Times, Gullit even stated, “Every time I played for Chelsea, I thought, ‘Nice game, beautiful stadium, great crowd, I’m playing well’. It was the only time I really had fun.”
Superb form of Costa
Costa’s goal on Sunday also ensured that he went past Sergio Aguero’s record of “the quickest 40 goals in the Premier League”. Costa was making his 64th appearance in the league and managed to reach the milestone seven games ahead of the Argentinean ace.
The goals have ensured that Chelsea have more often than not walked away with more points than deserved. The Chelsea ace’s “never say die” attitude has helped him rescue games, having been lethal especially in the second half of the games played this season.
Costa’s outstanding goal capped off an impressive performance by the Blues. Eden Hazard had put his side ahead as early as the 6th minute and was hardly troubled with the Saints managing a solitary shot on target.
Speaking after the game, Antonio Conte summed up his side’s display, “We created many chances. It's the perfect game when strikers score and defenders don't concede. The players deserved this; they work hard in training.”
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