Diego Costa’s keeps opposing goalkeepers wary because he can always find the way to score, according to former Arsenal keeper Bob Wilson.
Diego Costa is a continuing threat to goalkeepers across the Premier League. Aside from his goal-scoring, his hold-up play and physical presence force the defence to cover him. This creates openings for Eden Hazard and Pedro to play a one-two with Costa or go in on their own.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson is somewhat relieved that he never had to face Diego Costa on the pitch. Wilson listed Costa as the most dangerous forward from a keeper’s perspective.
"Without any doubt, Diego Costa would be a nightmare. He would be a competitive animal as well. Arsenal have Alexis Sanchez. I think those two players off the top of my head have the ability to make me look stupid. – The Blue Lions"
Wilson went on to note that Costa can always find the one opening to put the ball past a goalkeeper. He compared Costa’s skills to his own experiences facing former Chelsea and Tottenham man Jimmy Greaves.
"I used to have this with Jimmy Greaves. I used to think ‘OK, Jimmy, where’s the angle here. I’ve got the whole of my near post covered. There’s only one possible place you can score, Jimmy, that’s in the far top corner.’ And sure enough Jimmy Greaves would bend it into the far top corner."
Costa has not been in top form for Chelsea’s last few games, but he still scored late goals against Wolves and Swansea. His ability to poach goals, even when he is not able to create them, has him in contention for the Premier League’s Golden Boot. Costa has 16 goals, while Harry Kane, Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku all have 17.
Costa’s recent goals have not been pretty nor clutch. His last two goals were safety goals after the 80th minute, coming at the end of lacklustre performances. The ability to produce even when not playing well is a mark of any top player. For a striker, being able to score against your own run of play is a reminder of the threat he always poses.
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