A rejuvenated Costa looks like the real deal again, and Chelsea must tie him down.  

At times last year, Costa looked like he had been enjoying a few too many at the Transfer Tavern. An enlarged shadow of his former self, he went from a bullying assassin to a bloated and frustrated substitute.

As a team, the Blues struggled, impotent in attack and frail in defence. They finished 10th, scraping into the top half and sparing their blushes further.

Although Chelsea got off to a sluggish start this term, they have been in incredible form since their two consecutive losses earlier in the season.

Costa is the personification of the radical change in Chelsea’s fortunes. He has been back to his brilliant best, terrorising defences and helping the team with his goals and assists.

While he has been the subject of wind-up tactics from opposition players in the past, Costa has largely stayed out of trouble this season and let his football do the talking — a worrying sign for the rest of the league.

So do you agree that Chelsea should offer Costa a new deal? Here is three reasons why they must…

Goals

Most strikers are tasked with the chief responsibility of scoring goals for their respective teams, and in Antonio Conte’s current formation, Costa is thriving on being the focal point of Chelsea’s attack.

With 12 goals in 15 games in the league, Costa is a large reason Chelsea as to why are sitting on top of the pile this festive period.

The Spaniard scores all manner of goals. Deft finishes, pile-drivers and big headers mean that Costa is a nightmare for the opposition.

Moreover, the burly striker scores in big games, snatching points from rival teams and helping Chelsea cement their position at the top.

Assists

Costa’s hold-up play is crucial to Chelsea’s attacking play. His physicality and awareness compliment the roaming Eden Hazard and effervescent Pedro. This has helped him rack up five assists this season, the joint third most of any player.

More than this, the striker is also influential in Chelsea’s build-up play. Although he does not score or assist in every team goal, Costa is constantly running the channels, feeding the ball to the wing-backs, or laying the ball off to players in better positions.

Continuing this unselfish team play will be fundamental to Chelsea’s title chances.

Improved Discipline

The Spanish international has calmed the fire in his belly this season, channelling his energies by helping the team and staying on the pitch.

This mature approach is an indication of a top professional who realises his responsibilities not just as a striker, but as an integral part of a team that can only fulfil their potential if everyone pulls their weight in the same direction.

The landlord at the Transfer Tavern is tipping Chelsea, and especially Costa, as ones to watch this year.