In a league that contains the two best players in world football – Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – there is a certain Brazil-born Spanish international who has been the star of the campaign thus far.
Granted, Messi has had his injury problems, but it is difficult to imagine that the Argentine would have surpassed the achievements of Diego Costa in La Liga this season. He might have scored as many goals, but would he have made as much of an impact?
A number of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, have been linked with the 25-year-old in recent weeks. Here, Sports Mole takes a look at just why the powerful forward is rated so highly.
© Getty Images
Costa was the subject of a £20m bid from Liverpool at the start of the season, but that was quickly rejected by Atletico, who handed the forward a new contract until 2018. The problem for the capital outfit is that his current deal has a buyout clause in the region of £32m, which is not a figure that will worry too many of the clubs who hold an interest.
Tempting players away from Atletico was once a fairly simple process. Sergio Aguero and Fernando Torres are just two high-profile strikers who have departed the Vicente Calderon in recent seasons, but under Diego Simeone, Atletico are now a major force at both home and indeed abroad.
They enter the winter break in Spain second in the La Liga table behind Barcelona, but have the same number of points as the Catalan side after 17 matches. Of course, it has been a team effort, but Costa's 19 league goals and 23 in all competitions have been a major contributor.
It would be fair to say that the forward has been around the block a fair bit. He started his career at Braga, before moving to Atletico in 2007. A couple of unsuccessful loan spells saw him join Real Valladolid in 2009, but he spent just one season with the club before returning to Atletico in 2010.
© Getty Images
In January 2012, Costa was loaned to Rayo Vallecano, where he scored nine times in 16 league games. He managed 20 goals in 44 games for Atletico last season, but struck just 10 times in the league as he played second fiddle to a certain Radamel Falcao.
The sale of the Colombian forward in the summer meant that Costa would take on the number one striking role in the team, and he has not looked back since. His close relationship with Simeone has certainly been a major factor in his performances this season, but will the bright lights of England turn his head?
Put simply, Atletico do not need to sell Costa and why should they? They now have a team that has a realistic chance of winning La Liga and one that looks likely to advance into the latter stages of the Champions League.
However, football is a business and ultimately money talks. If £32m is the mooted price for Costa, then forget what deals have occurred in recent seasons - he would be one of the bargains of the century.
Not only does the forward boast an incredible physique, but he is also a strong runner and perhaps one of the most difficult players to shake off the ball in world football. In many ways, he is like Liverpool's Luis Suarez.
Somehow he finds a way through the tightest of spaces, even when it appears that he does not have full control of the ball. Finishing also comes naturally to the striker.
© Getty Images
What's more, Costa scores all types of goals – headers, left foot, right foot, long-distance, tap-ins. He has scored them all this season. It takes some players time to settle in a new country, but Costa is the type of player and indeed character who could adapt to new surroundings in a matter of weeks.
The downside to Costa is that he has problems with his temperament. However, what is allowed in Spain and what occurs in England are two different things. Wayne Rooney is a fiery character, but has learned to control himself in recent years, something which Costa will also learn under the correct guidance.
The 25-year-old was also involved in a tug-of-war between Brazil and Spain earlier this season. He had twice played in friendlies for the country of his birth Brazil, but chose to represent Spain after gaining residence. He has not yet made his debut for La Roja, but injuries permitting, he will go to the World Cup next summer as their main striker.
It is difficult to imagine Costa moving in January, especially with Atletico's current situation. However, if a Premier League side could tempt the forward to England in the winter window, then it could and probably would be the turning point in the title race.
© Getty Images
In a world of pampered footballers, it is not too difficult to picture a 16-year-old Costa playing football on the streets of Sao Paulo in Brazil. Kicking lumps out of his peers and battling for every ball, just like he is doing nine years later.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are both believed to be in the market for new strikers, with Aguero and Suarez in the frame, but it is difficult to imagine either leaving the Premier League in the near future. The Spanish duo's attention will surely turn to Costa, but it is believed that the fiery forward wants a move to England if he is to leave the Spanish capital.
Manchester City and Manchester United are yet to show real interest and although both already have a wealth of striking talent, the chance to secure Costa simply cannot be missed. Two years ago, he was a diamond in the rough. Now, he is one of the most feared forwards in world football.
Matt Law
