Ranking Atletico Madrid's 10 Best Strikers From The 21st Century

6. Diego Costa

Initially an understudy to Sergio Aguero in 2010 and then Radamel Falcao, Costa only established himself as the preferred targetman at Atletico in 2012 after various loan spells.

He had a fine season, but truly came of age in the next one when the striker played an instrumental role in guiding the side to an improbable La Liga success. Costa scored 27 times in the league that year- the most behind only Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Spanish international's blistering run also inspired Atletico's unlikely march to the Champions League final, en route to which he netted another eight times.

Chelsea soon came calling and after three successful years, Costa returned to the red half of Madrid in January 2018 upon being deemed surplus to Antonio Conte's requirements. Ever since, he has had to deal with numerous injury issues and even a lengthy suspension.

With only 44 league appearances under his belt in two-and-a-half years, he has struck a meager seven times as Costa is no longer the gold-standard striker he once was.