Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui last night hailed Diego Costa, after the striker put in another fantastic display.
The 34-year-old started for the fourth Premier League game in a row against Crystal Palace.
Some expected him to drop to the bench given the quick turnaround from the Leicester City game.
But Julen Lopetegui stuck with the veteran, pairing him with Matheus Cunha again.
While he didn’t score last night, Costa was one of Wolves’ best players once again.
The former Chelsea star was superb in holding the ball up. Players were firing balls into him and everything was sticking.
He also ran the channel and was just a real handful for the Palace centre-backs.
Costa’s form lately has been fantastic. Against Chelsea and Brentford he was magnificent.
Against Leicester he was slightly less influential. But last night he was excellent again and it’s clear he is now much fitter than when he first arrived at the club.
And speaking after the game, Lopetegui was very complimentary of him. He said (via journalist Nathan Judah): “I love Diego Costa’s work and mentality. Even when he was out of the squad, he wanted to compete and play.
“He pushed always in training and pushed to help the team.
“He has forced his way in and he’s been superb. We are very happy with him.”
There is a conversation taking place right now amongst fans about whether Costa should get a new contract.
Lopetegui has said that now is ‘not the time’ for talks.
“When Diego is about, the players are alive,” he added (via Mirror). “We’re very happy with him, but now is not the time to talk about the future of any player. We have to achieve our aims. When we do that, we will talk.”
Diego Costa is giving himself a very good chance of getting a new contract at Wolves
The way he is playing right now, Costa is definitely giving himself a chance of being offered a new contract by the club. That is something Mario Lemina wants to see.
Of course with him, it isn’t just about his football.
Costa is absolutely adored in that dressing room. There has been nothing but praise for him from all the players.
He’s played a huge role in bringing everyone together, which has been invaluable.
Surely at this point, Wolves officials are reluctant to allow such an influential individual to leave.