TOM COLLOMOSSE: Outdated warhorse Diego Costa has been crucial in Wolves’ Premier League survival bid… it’s no shock Julen Lopetegui desires to maintain him round for subsequent season
- The previous Atletico Madrid and Chelsea striker was signed by membership final 12 months
- It appeared a determined transfer for a determined state of affairs however it has labored out
- Supervisor Julen Lopetegui want to maintain Diego Costa round for subsequent season
Diego Costa might need scored solely as soon as in 21 matches however the previous warhorse’s position in Wolves’ survival bid shouldn’t be underestimated.
When Costa arrived at Molineux final September, it was a determined transfer for a determined state of affairs. The switch window had closed and Wolves had no senior centre ahead accessible.
The 34-year-old had not performed competitively since leaving Atletico Mineiro in January 2022 and from his rusty early shows, it was unattainable to think about the previous Chelsea man taking part in a key position in Julen Lopetegui’s efforts to maintain Wolves within the Premier League.
But there was Costa within the moments after Wolves’ 1-0 win over Aston Villa, secured by an early purpose by Toti, giving Lopetegui a bear hug to have a good time reaching the 40-point complete that ought to assure survival, and conducting the gang as they chanted ‘Diego, Diego’.
The previous warhorse Diego Costa appeared a determined signing however it has paid off for Wolves
![His character and role within the Wolves team appears to override his distinct lack of goals](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/05/07/21/70701997-0-image-a-12_1683492034952.jpg)
His character and position inside the Wolves staff seems to override his distinct lack of targets
![Costa's experience has aided the young players in Wolves' squad and looks set to continue playing a role next season](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/05/07/21/70701999-0-image-a-13_1683492037459.jpg)
Costa’s expertise has aided the younger gamers in Wolves’ squad and appears set to proceed taking part in a job subsequent season
Whereas he’s not as sharp as he was, Costa was a relentless menace for Villa centre backs Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa and his revival is testomony to his health and dedication.
His mentality has rubbed off on a number of the youthful gamers, with Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes notably grateful to Costa for serving to him settle into English soccer.
Mail Sport reported final week that Wolves had been contemplating giving Costa a contract for subsequent season. Whereas his purpose document doesn’t match his standing as certainly one of Wolves’ highest-paid gamers, Lopetegui want to maintain Costa round.
Villa can be setting their sights slightly larger. Unai Emery has executed an outstanding job at Villa and the approaching arrival of Barcelona director of soccer Mateu Alemany signifies an formidable switch marketing campaign forward.
Earlier than that, Villa will attempt to revive their fading European hopes by beating Tottenham on Saturday. ‘That match is our last,’ stated Emery.
Wolves (4-4-2): Sa 7; Semedo 6.5, Dawson 7.5, Kilman 7.5, TOTI 8; Nunes 6.5 (Moutinho 90min), Neves 7, Lemina 7.5, Neto 6.5 (A Traore 84); Costa 7.5 (Collins 83), Cunha 7 (Hwang 68, 6). Scorer: Toti 9. Booked: Costa, Toti, Semedo. Supervisor: Julen Lopetegui 8.
Aston Villa (4-4-1-1): Martinez 7; Younger 7 (Carlos 65, 6), Konsa 5.5, Mings 5.5, Moreno 6 (Digne 85); B Traore 4.5 (Bailey 46, 6), Luiz 6 (Kamara 86), McGinn 6.5, Ramsey 7; Buendia 7.5 (Duran 81); Watkins 5.5. Booked: Mings, Watkins, Luiz. Supervisor: Unai Emery 6.
Referee: Stuart Attwell 6. Attendance: 31,651.