Costa had a poor World Cup but is ideal for Mourinho’s Chelsea

Diego Costa is the man Jose Mourinho wanted to finally ‘replace’ Didier Drogba at Chelsea.

Of course no one will properly fill the void left by the legendary all-conquering, Champions League-winning Drogba.

But the Brazil-born Spaniard is exactly what manager Mourinho believes has been missing.

Big, powerful, feisty and with a tendency to irritate and frustrate opponents, he is a centre-forward with an edge to his play, who occupies defenders and – most crucially of all – allows others to perform because of his clever movement and link-up play.

The new-look Blues, blessed with the attacking talents of Eden Hazard, Willian and Oscar, have been crying out for a Costa-type frontman with true physical presence, as well as the all-important quality to hold the ball up.

No one should judge a lacklustre Costa on his World Cup showing for a team past their collective best: he was not fit or ready.

Come the new season, he and Chelsea should benefit from Spain’s early exit. A healthy Costa is the right fit at the right time and an important piece in Mourinho’s jigsaw.

Supremely talented matchwinners need that focal point and trust in their number nine that the ball will stick.

None of last season’s options up front provided this.

The defensive solidity was there, with the back four and keeper performing well and the addition of Nemanja Matic strengthening the midfield.

But it’s up top where Chelsea really had issues.

Costa has decent technique, good awareness and – with 36 goals in 52 games as Atletico Madrid won La Liga and reached the Champions League final last season – an impressive goalscoring record.

But it’s his ability to help others play which is the key reason for his arrival in west London. Unselfish and awkward but with a fine touch, he is the perfect team man.

The departing Demba Ba was always too much of a liability for his manager despite often making a significant contribution. He was very effective, if ungainly, and scored some crucial goals. But his touch was too hit-and-miss and play broke down too often when he had possession.

Mourinho still appears to have similar worries about Romelu Lukaku, despite all the goals.

The raw potential and barnstorming approach is not enough for a manager who fears the big Belgian needs to develop his all-round game and not merely rely on enthusiasm, power and directness.

Age concerns aside, Samuel Eto’o was decent without ever quite being the player that was needed to deliver the title.

Fernando Torres, meanwhile, has only shown his best form in flashes.

Many disagree, but Torres still has oodles of class; but it’s almost certainly not going to be seen at Chelsea.

A bit-part role is the only obvious place available and Torres craves confidence and match sharpness. That only comes from regular games and Costa’s signing means he is unlikely to get them.

Costa is not the skilful, eye-catching forward many wanted to see brought to Stamford Bridge. But if he brings out the best in Hazard, Oscar, Willian and Cesc Fabregas, he’ll more than justify the decision to buy him.

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