‘Not here for a holiday’ - Julen Lopetegui makes big claim about Wolves star who splits opinion

Julen Lopetegui is delighted with Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Diego Costa’s progress and insists the Spaniard is ‘not here for a holiday’ after another impressive performance at Molineux. Wolves made it three successive home victories on Tuesday night as they swept aside Crystal Palace by two goals to nil - and Costa made a huge impact.

It was a freakish third-minute own goal that set Wolves on their way as Joachim Andersen nudged the ball in off the crossbar from a Ruben Neves corner, but it was Costa who won the set piece in the first place. Taking down a Hugo Bueno cross on his chest with ease, the striker turned swiftly before striking at goal and forcing a save from Sam Johnstone.

Costa’s work didn’t end there, either, as he made himself a nuisance for Palace defenders all evening. An effective outlet up top, the 34-year-old often dropped into spaces to pick up the ball and keep attacks going. He also made the odd decent run to progress the play and won plenty of headers, as well as a few fouls.

“I think Costa - I love his work and his mentality,” Lopetegui told the media post-match. “He was out of the pitch and the squad list but he is a very competitive player. He didn’t come here to think about holidays, he wants to compete and to play. He pushed all his spirit in the training sessions and of course, that’s why he’s playing,” Lopetegui continued.

At the start of Costa’s time at Wolves things didn’t quite click, with plenty of supporters and pundits beginning to think maybe it wasn’t quite the right move. He’s always split opinion with his fiery attitude and his lack of pace as his career approaches its end probably doesn’t help, but now people are seeing what he can offer. Others have always backed him, no doubt.

Wanderers aren’t mathematically safe just yet, but with nine points now the gap to the bottom three, just one win in the final five matches should be enough to secure Premier League status for next season. The whole team has performed well recently but Costa in particular is likely to play a big part to round off the campaign if he can continue his fine form.