Brazil and Spain battle for Diego Costa

Diego Costa

Diego Costa, the talented Atletico Madrid striker has been in great form recently for the La Liga side. The Spanish Football Federation is keen to provide Costa their citizenship while Brazil strive to retain their prolific striker.

Costa has netted 7 goals in 6 games for Atletico this season and has been in sublime form. The Brazilian scored the only decisive goal in the crucial Madrid derby on Saturday. It seems like Atletico didn’t lose anything by releasing Falcao to French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, but gained considerably in finances. With Falcao at the club last season, Atletico’s system and his own versatility often meant he was deployed either out wide or just off the Colombian. Falcao was tremendously successful at Madrid, the same predatory self as he was at FC Porto. Diego Costa therefore had limited chances to shine under the excellent Colombian.

Costa had been deemed the Brazilian bad boy due to his off the ball tussles and short temper. After his move to Atletico from Portuguese side SC Braga , Costa  had a few loan spells in Spain. But recently Atletico coach Simeone recalled the young Brazilian to assist Falcao, in what was a very successful season for Atletico Madrid. Ever since the departure of Falcao, Diego Costa has taken up the goal scoring responsibility very maturely. Even in the presence of Spanish top scorer David Villa, Costa has emerged as a true talent in Atletico’s striking department.

Costa was linked to Liverpool in this summer’s transfer window. The Reds coach Brendan Rodgers spotted the right talent in Diego Costa and was confident of landing him at Anfield. But transfer talks broke down and Costa stayed at Atletico. His performances last season and at the start of this season has prompted the Spanish Football Federation to offer him the chance to play for the Spanish national side.  Fernando Torres, Fernando Llorente, David Villa and even Roberto Soldado have not impressed recently with their performances for club and country, and hence the move for Diego Costa seems evident.

There have been Brazilians who played for other countries. Before Costa, Brazilians like  Marcos Senna played for the Spanish national side and Deco plied his trade for Portugal. The policy for citizenship is that the player should have played in the country for at least 5 years and should not have played an international  game other than  a friendly for his current national side . With Costa playing only one friendly for Brazil, he seems to fit the bill. So everyone will be looking forward to see where Costa ends up. He is a brilliant player and adds value to any side. That is why Brazil national coach Scholari is adamant to let him go. We can only wait and watch.