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Wolves: Reporter expects Diego Costa to be dropped
Wolves striker Diego Costa may not start for the club amid his current performances, claims Express & Star reporter Nathan Judah.
The Lowdown: Costa’s return
Wolves brought Costa back to the Premier League in September following his release from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro in the hope he would add much-needed firepower to the Old Gold.
The Spain international previously bagged 52 goals and 18 assists in a three-year stint at Chelsea from 2014-2017, winning two league titles along the way.
However, at the age of 34, he’s unsurprisingly come back not half the player he once was, with him yet to score or assist in nine games since arriving at Molineux.
The Latest: Judah’s opinion
Following Wolves’ 1-0 defeat against Manchester United on New Year’s Eve – in which Costa started before being hooked off at half-time – Judah discussed the situation involving the striker and his £62k-per-week wages on the E&S Wolves Podcast.
He said: “I do like Costa, I think he’s added a bit around the training ground, but I can add a bit around the training ground and get paid half that money.
“I don’t think we’ll see him start – you talk about not starting again in February, you’d be surprised; I’d be surprised if we see him start again in January.”
The Verdict: Needs replacing
Costa’s move to the West Midlands has not worked, with him miles away from the player who once terrified defences up and down the country.
The blame can’t be solely put on him, though, with it hard to believe at 34 years old that he has started eight of the nine league games available.
A role that sees him come on late in games as an impact substitute could perhaps suit him a lot better, with him only completing 90 minutes once in 15 appearances at his previous club – something he’s done twice already in the space of a few weeks having previously been without a club for nine months.
The arrival of Matheus Cunha and Raul Jimenez returning closer to full match sharpness with every passing game means Costa may not be required to start again for Wolves, but it does show just how ridiculous the whole situation has been for him back in England.
