Alvaro Morata has the potential to replace Diego Costa
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A key to Chelsea’s Premier League title last season was a return to form for Spanish international striker Diego Costa. The former Atletico Madrid star was back to his menacing best scoring 20 league goals.
However, in January, there was controversy over a reported failed move to China and an alleged spat with Chelsea’s coaching staff. His future at the club has been in doubt since and Blues boss Antonio Conte reportedly told the striker that he was surplus to requirements at the club earlier this summer.
Although the striker is still at the club, his stay is unlikely to last. Instead, leading the Chelsea attack next season will be Spanish international Alvaro Morata, who recently arrived at the club for big money from Real Madrid.
The 24-year-old struggled for first-team football in the Spanish capital but still scored 15 goals in 26 La Liga appearances last season. However, of those appearances, just 14 were starts, as the striker was overshadowed by teammates Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.
Despite his lack of game time, Morata was the European champion’s second top scorer last season, with only the virtually ever-present Ronaldo outscoring the Spaniard. Morata’s minutes to goals ratio were second only to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi in the Spanish top-flight.
The 24-year-old is undoubtedly talented and his football intelligence should help the striker settle into life in the Premier League, which can be a difficult league for newcomers to master.
Costa is a unique footballer and it would be impossible to find a direct replacement for the 28-year-old. However, Morata has the potential to replace Costa, while Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi may also have a part to play in the Blues title bid after enjoying some decent performances in pre-season.
In short, if Morata can adapt to the Premier League in a swift manner, then Chelsea have a big chance of retaining their title next season.
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