Diego Costa: A look at the underrated striker's career so far

4. Return to Spain

Diego Costa in his return to Atletico Madrid v Getafe - La Liga

Diego Costa had passed the medical and signed the contract with Atletico in September 2017. However, due to a transfer ban imposed on Atletico, Costa was eligible to play for them only after January 2018.

He took only 5 minutes to register his return with the La Liga giants. He scored after being subbed for Angel Correa in the Copa del Rey in the round-of-16 game against Lleida Esportiu.

Since the turn of the year, Costa has been in good touch. His exploits in the World Cup is a testament to his evolution this season. When Spain was under pressure in the World Cup opener against Portugal, he scored a brace to put them in the driving seat. Unfortunately, Cristiano Ronaldo's heroics saved the day for Portugal. He went on to score a fantastic 3 goals in the tournament.

An unlikely elimination of Spain by the hosts Russia in the round of 16, prohibited Costa from displaying his class further.