It is a pleasure to watch this man play. Douglas Costa, 24 years old, new FCB signing, did not take long to conquer the fans' hearts. The Brazilian initially amazed the crowd with his fantastic dribbling skills during the Audi Cup. He followed that up in the first Bundesliga match against Hamburger SV with the next sample of his abilities. “I really liked it. It was a successful start and I'm very happy that I played my part in the victory,” Costa told FCB.tv after the 5-0 win and his debut goal.
He was praised by everyone. “He has incredible energy,” attested Thomas Müller. Skipper Philipp Lahm described Costa as “very, very fleet-footed.” Arjen Robben added: “He's a talent, a special weapon for us, he can sidestep his opponents.” Before, there have only been Franck Ribéry and Robben himself with similar abilities in one-on-one situations. “Now there's Costa too.”
That gives Pep Guardiola even more options – especially since Ribéry is still sidelined due to his ankle injury. “Douglas has settled in quickly,” observed Matthias Sammer. But the Bayern sporting director warned against too much euphoria: “We've made the first step – and that's it.” Karl-Heinz Rummenigge agreed. “I'm always cautious. It's usual that you're highly motivated during the first few games, but you have to prove that again and again later on.”
'MODEST' AND 'RESERVED'
Nevertheless Costa's style of play means the crowd can surely look forward to more. “He seems a good player. Quick, strong at dribbling, strong shooting power,” the chairman continued. Not only did the new signing from Donetsk score against HSV, he also set up a highly watchable goal when he crossed the ball with the outside of his boot to Müller who made it 3-0. His opponent Dennis Diekmeier had to admit after the game: “I'm pretty fast, but he's a rocket.”
A “very modest” and “reserved” rocket, as Sammer revealed. The Brazilian's interviews after the match confirm that. “It doesn't matter where I play. The main thing for us is to win as many games as possible. That's what makes a good team,” said Costa, clearly at home in Munich already. “Everything's fantastic, my team-mates made it pretty easy for me so far. And the city is beautiful too.” Costa and FC Bayern – it seems to be a match made in heaven!
