Why Chelsea must throw millions at Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa

Diego Costa

Atletico Madrid always seem to have a quality striker on their books. In the past, the likes of Sergio Aguero, Falcao and Diego Forlan have turned out for los Colchoneros, scoring masses of goals between them. This season, it was believed that David Villa would fill the void left by the departure of Falcao; however, whilst the Spaniard has performed respectably, scoring eight goals, it is another striker who has become the latest addition to Atletico’s ridiculous list of goalscorers.

Diego Costa has been excellent this season and the 25-year-old has been the subject of fierce competition between Spain and Brazil regarding his international future. Indeed, his performances so far in 2013/14 have attracted numerous clubs from around Europe, the most recent being Chelsea in their everlasting search for a ruthless goalscorer.

Costa certainly seems to meet this criteria. In La Liga, he has played 15 matches and scored as many goals; in the Champions League, the future Spanish international has four goals to his name in just three appearances. This shows that he is a lethal goalscorer who would meet Jose Mourinho’s requirements in a striker; with the likes of Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto’o failing to ignite the Premier League, Costa could well be turned to in order to put the finishing touches to an already dangerous attacking force.

In addition to his goalscoring talents, Costa is also a creative force – this extra dimension to his game makes him an even more desirable player and extremely suited to Chelsea’s team. With 23 chances created this season, the second highest in Atletico’s squad behind Koke, the Brazil-born striker is clearly able to bring other players into the game through his vision and passing ability; with the likes of Oscar and Eden Hazard potentially behind him at Chelsea, Costa would be a deadly player at Stamford Bridge.

The areas in which Costa creates his chances are revealing; most are in the penalty area, suggesting that he is able to bring the midfielders into play well with his hold-up play; with a midfield bulging with as much ability as Chelsea’s, this would make the striker one of Mourinho’s prized possessions.

This theory is furthered when Costa’s Action Areas in his latest game against Elche is studied. He spent lots of time in the areas surrounding the penalty area, creating space for his side’s midfielders to attack or create chances from – as previously mentioned, this would be highly valued at Chelsea.

Additionally, it is evident that Costa works the channels well; by doing this, he creates space for both the wingers and central midfielders to attack in the middle of the pitch by stretching the opposition’s defence. This would enable the Blues’ dynamic midfielders to thrive and cause endless problems for defenders who are unsure which of Chelsea’s numerous threats to try and nullify.

Diego Costa would be a fantastic signing for Chelsea. He has really thrived this season and, though he would command a large transfer fee, the 25-year-old is worth it – besides, it is not as though Roman Abramovich can’t afford it.