Diego Costa always bounces back

Diego Costa's career has been a constant obstacle course in which every stone in the road has been taller than the one that preceded it.

Since landing with Celta Vigo as a youngster to his time with Albacete and Real Valladolid, or when it seemed certain that he'd leave Atletico Madrid, he's been able to overcome setback after setback.

There have been injuries, cup finals, heartaches and goals, but it's his ability to consistently overcome adversity that remains so impressive.

A break from Spanish football with Chelsea ended when he returned in 2017 and Diego Simeone has tried ever since to get him back to his pre-England best.

The reality, however, is that he's been some way short of the level he showed in their LaLiga Santander-winning season and there are only a handful of games in his second spell that will be memorable.

In truth, he's had as many injuries as goals since then (12) and low points like his dismissal at the Camp Nou and subsequent eight-game ban.

No offers have come in for the Brazil-born Spain forward, but Simeone is convinced he still has a big role to play.

"I don't change what I think of him," he said.

"I'm sure he'll have a great season and be back to the best version of himself which we would take into any war."

An exhibition against Real Madrid

Costa was explosive, decisive and unstoppable in New Jersey, scoring four times against Los Blancos, giving hope for the campaign to come.

Can he do it again? Only time will tell. But everyone at Atletico is confident that Costa has more to give.