'A master of efficiency' – Goal's World Player of the Week Diego Costa

Atletico Madrid
2-1 Osasuna
Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid


With certain players, it is necessary take the rough with the smooth. Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa is one such player.

Given his penchant for provocation and disposition towards diving, the abrasive Brazilian is arguably the most controversial forward in the game right now. However, as the 24-year-old’s shown over the past week, he’s also one of the most effective.

Costa netted both goals in a 2-1 win over Osasuna in midweek before deciding the Madrid derby in Atletico’s favour with a cool finish to maintain his side’s perfect start to their Liga campaign.

Of course, Costa being Costa, he was very nearly sent off at the Santiago Bernabeu for a ridiculously petulant reaction to a yellow card, but his overall performance had the Spanish press purring, as Goal‘s Ben Hayward underlines.

“Costa was undoubtedly the game’s outstanding performer as Atletico claimed their first Liga win at the home of their city rivals since 1999,” he argued.

“His game-winning goal means he has now scored eight times in seven matches, putting him level with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi in the race for the Pichichi prize.

“What’s more, his impressive tally has come from 21 shots. To put that in context, Ronaldo has scored six goals – but from 60 strikes on goal. Therefore, Costa, for all his flaws, is something of a master of efficiency.

“Also, having secured Spanish residency, he now seems certain to be feature at next year’s World Cup. It’s just a question of which country he’ll be representing.”

Congratulations to Diego Costa, Goal’s 229th World Player of the Week winner!


The Shortlist

Mehdi Benatia – Roma

@davidjaca: “Benatia one of my favourite players from any league this season.”

Goal’s Kris Voakes: “Standing tall in Europe’s best defence, the former Udinese man has four goals in two games.”

Saido Berahino – West Brom

 @johncrossmirror: “West Brom’s Old Trafford hero on £850-a-week!”

Goal’s Stephen Darwin: “The new name on everyone’s lips after his goals against Arsenal and Manchester United.”

Gervinho – Roma

@TheCalcioGuy: “How about Gervinho’s morph into Samuel Eto’o since joining Roma this summer?'”

Goal’s Mark Doyle: “A fine week featuring three goals in two games. Rediscovered his Lille form in Serie A.”

Thomas Muller – Bayern

@SBienkowski:It’s impossible not to love Thomas Muller.”

Goal’s Falko Bloeding: “The best player on the pitch in the DFB-Pokal defeat of Hannover before netting against Wolfsburg.”

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