One of the oldest stereotypes in English Football is that foreign players struggle to adapt, but this year that stereotype many can argue has been thrown out of the window. Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and of course Diego Costa are some examples that come to mind.
In the example of these three players, all of them have come with pressure on their soldiers and have so far adapted brilliantly. The West Ham duo of Valencia and Sakho have been so influential that the Hammers have been in the top six for a good part of the season.
In October the player and manager of the month of award went to West Ham as Diafra Sakho and Sam Allardyce received the top honours respectively.
Amazing to think that some fans were calling for Allardyce's head.
As good as that West Ham duo have been - and they have been very good because Valencia and Sakho are two players who have really given the Hammers some firepower which is something they lacked last year. Not to take away the Hammers successful signings - but I want to talk about a certain Brazilian born Spanish striker called Diego Costa.
Costa has been nothing short of sensational since he arrived to Stamford Bridge. The 26 year old Costa scored his 10th goal of the premier league season on Saturday, which for a new player is sensational. It's not just the former Atletico Madrid's strikers goal scoring that has left me in ore, it's Diego Costa's work ethic that impresses me the most.
He is like the new Didier Drogba (even though the current one isn't that bad still)
I used to think one man doesn't make a team - but in this case it certainly does. As brillant as Cesc Fabregas has been, even he would be a 'bit lost' if he didn't have anyone of the quality of Costa. Time and time again Cheslea's problem last season was their goal scoring, not this year because Diego Costa is available for the Blues.
How grateful Chelsea must be for that, the signing of Diego Costa maybe shows that Jose Mouriniho still is the 'special one'. It's essential that he stays match fit, Chelsea's hopes could hinder on that very fact.