Diego Costa has been forced to speak out in defence of his style of play…
Chelsea striker Diego Costa has spoken out in defence of his bad-boy reputation, claiming that it is unwarranted. The Spanish international has recently completed a three-game suspension for stamping on Liverpool defender Emre Can, but he believes he is unfairly targeted.
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Costa, who was quoted by the Daily Mirror, said: “My challenges on the ball are strong but noble at the same time. If you check my records, you will find out that I’ve never caused a bad injury to any player.
“The bottom line is that sometimes the little things I do on the pitch provoke exaggerated reactions. But if you rewind a bit and go through what they did to me, you may have another point of view.”
The Brazilian-born 26-year-old added: “I consider myself a player who fights and gives everything on the pitch. Those who know me and appreciate those values understand what I say.”
Is Costa deserving of the criticism directed at him? We rank him below among ten players who have been treated harshly this season:
10) Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
The Ivorian midfielder was accused of looking uninterested earlier in the season, as his performances failed to live up to those of recent campaigns. However, City have won just one in six games since his departure to the African Cup of Nations, proving his importance to the side.
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9) Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
The Belgian has scored just two goals so far this season since returning from a long-term injury. He has been wasteful in front of goal, with his lack of end product one of the major reasons behind his side’s struggles. However, it’s not all down to him, he needs more service – with no Villa players enjoying any more luck in front of goal.
8) Ross Barkley (Everton)
Barkley was one of the stand-out players for Everton last season, earning a spot in the England World Cup squad. He’s struggled to live up to that reputation again this season, but his struggles are somewhat more understandable when you consider the club’s overall plight.
7) Jack Colback (Newcastle United)
Colback caused controversy when he moved from local rivals Sunderland in the summer transfer window. The player has since explained that he grew up a Newcastle fan however, and was desperate to move to his boyhood club.
6) Lucas Leiva (Liverpool)
The Brazilian found himself on the fringes of the Liverpool team earlier this season, with some critics questioning what he contributed to the side. He eventually proved to be one of his side’s key assets this term though, with the Merseyside club enjoying an outstanding record with him in the team.
5) Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)
Last season Monreal was among the most maligned members of Arsenal’s squad, but has seen his importance at the club increase this season due to a defensive injury crisis. The Spaniard has impressed with his performances, and the more level headed Arsenal fans are starting to appreciate him a little more.
4) Juan Mata (Manchester United)
Mata has regularly found himself as the fall-guy for United’s recent struggles, with many critics suggesting that he should be the player to miss out in order to accommodate their array of attacking talent. The two-time Chelsea Player of the Year has a lot more to offer however, and often pops up with important goals and assists.
3) James Milner (Manchester City)
The England international has rarely been appreciated to the extent that he should be. His hard-working performances have gone down particularly well at Manchester City so far this season, proving more than ever that he deserves top billing.
2) Mario Balotelli (Liverpool)
The Italian striker has been something of a laughing stock so far this season, taking 13 Premier League games to break his Liverpool duck. However, the first-half of his season has been dominated by fitness issues, and he deserves more of a chance before judgement is made.
1) Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Costa has been in superb form so far this season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions. His attitude has rightly been called into question after a number of high-profile incidents, but you can’t question his commitment, desire, and passion for the cause. If he can control his temper, there is little else that needs to be questioned.