Costa… Not so perfect! Diego Costa is a centre forward that defenders dread. His power, strength and competitive spirit is a handful! The above qualities, alongside others—which are—positioning, finishing prowess and link-up play ensures that a striker succeeds in his career. When you analyse Costa’s game critically, you have to agree that he is almost a complete striker. Just about almost. And that missing “almost” is—finishing prowess especially in one on one situations. And this singular quality is the hallmark of a great striker, even if the striker is limited in other departments. The legendary Inzaghi springs to mind in this regard; a player that his significant contributions to his team is—beating the offside trap to nick a goal. Apart from this, you will find it difficult to amplify any of Filipo Inzaghi’s football skills. I guess it’s not difficult to understand why he was never a regular for the Azurri’s. But then the Italian’s eye for goal made him a club legend at Ac Milan. The Rossoneri’s 2nd leg Uefa Champions league, Quarter final clash with Ajax in 2003 summarised Inzaghi’s penchant for goals. His positioning ensured that Shevchenko’s lob over the goalkeeper hit the back of the net. The goal made it 3-2 on the night, and was enough to send Ajax crashing out in a closely contested match. While the Rossoneri’s would go all the way to clinch the ultimate prize in a penalty shoot-out victory against their domestic rivals—Juventus. Other notable great strikers that have graced the beautiful game in recent times like Ronaldo De Lima, Van Nistelroy, Batistuta, Crespo, Shearer, Henry and co; have shown the required ferocity or composure in one on one situation. It’s quite agreeable that Costa have done remarkably well so far, in his debut campaign in England. But the chances he continues to spurn when faced only with the keeper should be addressed. The season is gradually approaching “squeaky bum time”. Games will get tougher, as the top teams intensify their pursuit for honours while some fight to avoid the ignominy of relegation. Furthermore, Chelsea as a team have not been clinical in the final third this season in relation to their dominance. This shouldnt be; successful teams are ruthless in front of goal. And with the Citizens right on the blues rear-view mirror, more missed chances might prove costly come May 2015. So while the Brazilian turned Spaniard continues to battle English opposition defenders to submission, to the delight of the fans. Let the self-acclaimed “special one” know that there is room for improvement; for sharpening Costa’s instinct to be composed when faced with the goalkeeper, would ensure a finished product. Which should guarantee a cabinet glistening with trophy at the bridge!
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 19:17:10 +0000
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