Antonio Conte Lauds This Spaniard: Well-behaved ‘Warrior’

Diego Costa’s name is on everyone’s lips after his heroic goal against West Brom last weekend. And the happiest man to witness his form, Antonio Conte has joined the bandwagon to shower praises on the striker.

Similar to the majority of his teammates last term, the former Atletico Madrid star’s form was below par and there were questions over his future especially once a new manager took charge. The club shared similar fate too, they were clattered into the 10th spot in the league and did not win any trophies.

This season, Costa’s impressive scoring spree is coinciding with Chelsea’s superb run of form, 9 victories on the bounce and they hold onto the summit of the league. The 28-year-old also bagged the Player of The Month Award for November.

Contented with the striker’s contribution, Conte spoke to the club’s official website:

“I think Diego is a real warrior and he is good for the team because it is important to have many warriors during the game because every game is a battle, a sporting battle.

“Diego is showing great patience and he can put this into the team in the best way.

“I think it is fantastic for him, for the team, for the club and for the fans. He is playing very well and we are working a lot to involve him in our play.

“He is improving a lot and Diego is showing the right part of him now.”

The word warrior might sound metaphorical only for those who didn’t watch Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over the Baggies. The home side were under the shadow of a dogged and determined defence who were happy to camp in their own half. Despite a number of substitutions and tactical changes, ideas to break down West Brom were waning down till the 76th minute. Resulting from Fabregas’ long upfield pass, the ball fell to veteran defender Gareth McAuley who shockingly lost possession to Costa and the Spaniard punished him severely by netting the match’s winning goal. Started with a spark of luck yet finished with the wizard’s brilliance in front of the goal.

After taking the lead, Chelsea easily fended off any possible comeback from the visitors and proved they have the mettle to snatch three points against any blueprints from the opponents – a trait that favours them to be the title favourites.

Besides finding his scoring boots once again, his discipline deserves a mention too. Despite his reputation as a bad-tempered individual, he has stayed out of the referee’s notepad in the last 9 matches after collecting four yellow cards in the opening 6 league encounters. Hark back to the stoppage time rumble at the Etihad Stadium two weeks ago, surprisingly, the man-mountain leapt into the scene and became a peacemaker.