Diego Costa Reveals His Ultimate Striker With Messi & Kane Qualities

Diego Costa, the former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid star, has never been shy about sharing his opinions—and now, he’s outlined his vision of the “perfect” striker by cherry-picking the best attributes from football’s greatest talents. In a recent interview, Costa selected the qualities of modern legends such as Lionel Messi and Harry Kane, but when it came to mentality, the ex-Spanish international had no hesitation in naming himself as the king.

Building Diego Costa’s Dream Striker: Messi’s Intelligence, Kane’s Shooting

Diego Costa’s concept of the ultimate striker starts with intelligence, and he believes there’s no one better than Lionel Messi in this department. “Messi’s football brain is unique. He sees the pitch in a way no one else does,” Costa said, emphasizing the Argentine’s genius in unlocking defenses.

For clinical finishing, Costa looked to Brazilian legend Ronaldo, whose lethal touch in front of goal inspired a generation. “Ronaldo made scoring look easy—even against the best defenders,” Costa remarked.

Harry Kane, the England and Bayern Munich forward, was Costa’s pick for the best long-range shooting. “Kane can score from anywhere. His technique and confidence make him unstoppable from distance,” Costa explained. By including Kane, Costa demonstrated his appreciation for the Premier League’s finest sharpshooters.

Physical Power: Drogba and Hulk Join the Line-Up

No ultimate striker would be complete without physical dominance, and Costa dipped into his Chelsea roots to name Didier Drogba as the strongest. “Drogba was a beast—he could hold off any defender and win any aerial battle,” Costa recalled.

For raw pace, Costa selected Brazilian powerhouse Hulk, renowned for his explosive speed and direct running. “Hulk was relentless—his power and speed could change a game in seconds,” Costa noted.

The Mentality King: Diego Costa Names Himself

When the conversation shifted to mentality, Diego Costa boldly claimed himself as the benchmark. “You can have all the skill, but mentality is what makes a difference in big games,” Costa insisted. Throughout his career, the striker’s aggressive style and fiery temperament set him apart. Whether at Chelsea or Atletico Madrid, Costa was the emotional heartbeat of his team—fearless, driven, and impossible to intimidate.

“Winning is about more than talent. It’s about desire, mental strength, and never backing down under pressure. That’s always been my edge,” Costa stated confidently.

Respecting Legends While Honoring Grit

Costa’s selections reflect a deep respect for football’s evolving technical side. He praised Neymar’s dribbling as another key trait, showing that flair and skill have a place alongside power and efficiency. “Neymar can break lines with his dribbling—he brings magic to the field,” he added.

But by choosing his own mentality as the defining characteristic, Costa reminded fans that trophies are often won in the mind as much as on the pitch. His career—highlighted by Premier League and La Liga titles—was built on big-match performances and a relentless attitude.

Diego Costa’s Ultimate Striker: A Legacy Beyond the Pitch

Now a free agent following his departure from Gremio, Costa’s reflections come at a time when he’s considering his next move. Yet his choices offer a window into his football philosophy: technique and athleticism are vital, but mental resilience is the true mark of greatness.

This blend of respect for modern stars and old-school grit underscores why Costa was such a feared opponent. He admired the artistry of Messi and Neymar, the finishing of Ronaldo and Kane, and the physicality of Drogba and Hulk—but in the cauldron of elite football, he trusted his own mental strength above all.

Opinion: Costa’s Picks Reveal Football’s True Balance

Diego Costa’s vision for the ideal striker is a fascinating study in contrasts—melding skill with strength, elegance with edge. While fans might debate his selections, there’s no denying that mentality separates the good from the great. Costa’s career proves that a winning mindset can elevate even the most talented player to legendary status. For more insights and updates on the beautiful game, visit our homepage for more news.