4) Diego Costa – Chelsea
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Goals: 20; Assists: 6
Minutes Played: 3028; Minutes per Goal: 151
Antonio Conte almost never played Diego Costa this season. The Spanish striker had set his mind on returning to sunny Spain with former club Atletico Madrid. But the move never materialised and when Diego Simeone finally signed Kevin Gameiro, Costa knew he had no choice but to stay put.
It was the same for Conte too who did not exactly have the best of transfer windows. Although the Blues signed Michy Batshuayi, the Italian manager never trusted the 23-year-old to start games – even in Costa’s absence.
However, Costa reproduced his form from his debut season with the Blues and has banged in crucial goals over the course of the season to set up their title challenge. Many of his goals have made the difference between one point and three.
Costa and Conte patched up to save the Blues’ campaign but with offers from abroad (especially China), Costa’s head has been turned and he could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge this summer.
