Joao Felix and Diego Costa - Atletico Madrid's new fearsome partnership

Diego Costa and Joao Felix. Joao Felix and Diego Costa. One is the Atletico Madrid's record signing, who spurned the advances of Manchester City and Real Madrid to join Diego Simeone's side. The other returned to the club two years ago, but a series of injuries, suspensions and controversial moments have prevented him from being the player who dominated LaLiga Santander before leaving for Chelsea in 2014.

Now, the two could form one of the most fearsome strike partnerships in Europe, with Alvaro Morata also added to the mix when healthy. Costa quickly struck up a relationship with Joao in pre-season; they share a language, and the 30-year-old has taken the 19-year-old prodigy under his wing. Despite Costa's reputation on the pitch, he is one of the most beloved players in the dressing room for his good-natured character, his jovial nature and work rate.

The connection they have built off the pitch immediately transferred onto it, as shown in the 7-3 demolition of Real Madrid in New Jersey. They linked up brilliantly and many of Atleti's best moments came when the No.19 and No.7 linked up. In some ways, the way in which Costa and Joao unite on the pitch is reminiscent of the partnership Koke and Costa had during the Brazilian-born striker's first spell at the club, which brought so much glory to Atleti.

First time as a duo in attack

On Wednesday night, Costa and Joao will lead the line against the MLS All-Stars. Their two games together thus far have both come with Morata as Simeone has opted for an attacking trident, but the Spaniard is almost certainly out for the game after being diagnosed with a muscle contracture in his right leg. That caused Simeone to test Costa and Joao as a front two in training on Monday, which seems like the most likely combination for their third and final match stateside.

Although the Argentine coach would prefer his young Portuguese starlet to play with two reference points in front of him so that he can utilise his creativity, the match against the MLS All-Stars will enable Simeone to see if Joao can play alongside a striker in a two-man attack.

"Costa could be our signing of the season," Saul Niguez said in anticipation of the forward's 2019/20 campaign. The Atleti squad understand how injuries affected him last season and have seen how he has bounced back over the summer, eager to prove his doubters wrong.

But that's the past and the future looks bright for Los Rojiblancos, with much of their success next season set to come from the new fearsome partnership of Diego Costa and Joao Felix.