Diego Costa Has Shown There's Still Space In The Modern Game For A Traditional Centre-Forward

Diego Costa Has Shown There's Still Space In The Modern Game For A Traditional Centre-Forward
09:00, 18 Jun 2018

When you think of the way Spain play football nowadays, probably the first phrase that will pop into your head is ‘tiki-taka.’

It was coined from Pep Guardiola’s Barca side and was meant to describe the short, sharp passing style that became that team’s hallmark.

Given that in their glory days between 2008-2012 most of the Spanish national team were made up of Barcelona players, the correlation between club and national team was obvious.

Spain made football look easy then. Still do. Very pleasing on the eye.

Their game has evolved slightly and if there’s an easier, longer ball available, then it will be taken.

The make-up of the team has switched too, with more Real Madrid players making the cut in 2018 than their colleagues from the Camp Nou.

But to concentrate on how Spain’s ‘big two’ dictate the machinations of the national team is to overlook the other aspects that give them an edge over their opponents.

One player who is absolutely integral to their success is Atletico Madrid’s battering ram, Diego Costa. The striker isn’t often given the credit he deserves, but for club and country he’s a vital cog.

His game is based more on the physical aspects, and it’s true that he is the archetypal target man. If you’re looking for someone to hold the ball up with his back to goal whilst under pressure, then there’s none finer than the Spanish-Brazilian.

Let’s not forget too that he’s been out of the game for six months yet has been playing like he’s never been away.

When Julen Lopetegui picked him over Alvaro Morata, eyebrows were raised, but Costa has fully justified his inclusion.

Though the coach has since gone, replaced by Fernando Hierro on the eve of the World Cup, the striker retained his starting place at the expense of in-form Iago Aspas.

Against Portugal in Spain’s opener for the 2018 tournament, we saw exactly why Costa retains the trust of the technical department.

Out-muscling Pepe to bring down a pass, he then weaved his way around two Portugal defenders to finish with aplomb.

Not long into the second half, we’d see his predatory instincts as he drew Spain level from inside the box.

He’s a trouble-maker. The type of centre-forward that might be derided as ‘traditional’ or ‘old school,’ but who won’t give a back four a moment’s peace.

What he, perhaps, lacks in technique, he more than makes up for in application.

The game may have changed, but there’ll always be a space for players such as Diego Costa.

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