Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa has enjoyed a bright start to life at the Allianz Arena following his £21M move from Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk this summer. The Brazilian international, 24, has scored and created three goals in as many games for the Bundesliga champions, and has been a standout performer in the division. With existing wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery both ageing and injury-prone, the German giants needed a long-term replacement to fill the void, and Costa has hit the ground running.
Already the winger has been polarising opinions due to his showboating antics and penchant for outrageous skills in games, but he’s not short of self-confidence. “Guardiola has trusted me from the beginning 100 percent. I felt immediately at ease in the team. I think I have filled the gap that Ribery has left since his injury. I have to use this opportunity. When I came to Bayern, everyone was talking about Arjen Robben and Ribery. I have given it my best. This fast-paced play I think suits me.”
No player in the German Bundesliga has made more successful dribbles than Costa (16) so far this season, and the Brazilian winger is also high up in the standings for chances created and shots taken. He’s just the attacking threat Bayern Munich have been crying out for, and could well become a brilliant servant. Signing a five-year deal from Shakhtar, Douglas Costa’s form for Bayern should see him command a starting place in the Brazil team, and it’s certainly something he’s been thinking about.
Costa has openly said he wants to fight Neymar for a starting place in the Brazil side, which is certainly ambitious. He’s so far staking a real claim with his impressive form early on in the season, and that ill have to be the benchmark is he is to go some way to dethroning the Barcelona forward. His international career has hardly kicked off with only one goal to his name for Brazil, but this season could see Costa reach new heights.
The 24-year-old is already being regarded as a bargain buy with how quickly he’s settled into his new side. Douglas Costa looks to have been the ideal replacement on the wing that Bayern were looking for. The Brazilian is an expert at beating his opposite marker, and has shown he can score and create goals with consummate ease just like Robben and Ribery have long done in a Bayern Munich shirt.
