The season 2015/2016 is more than successful for the Bayern Munich football club (Munich), and this is largely due to their new acquisition. Douglas Costa (photo below) this summer moved to the Munich camp from Shakhtar Donetsk. We can safely say that this is a very successful transfer for Bavaria: the Brazilian attacking midfielder so confidently replaced the alternating injuries of Robben and Ribery that he even made the fans forget about these already elderly stars.
The beginning of the club career of Douglas Costa. Gremio
Douglas Costa da Souza was born on September 14, 1990 in the Brazilian city of Salucaya do Sul. He began his professional career as a football player in the Gremio club (which at the time gave Ronaldinho a career), signing a contract with him in 2008. The club at that time played in the Brazilian Serie A.
The footballer managed to make his mark in his debut match: the goal of Douglas Costa helped the team defeat Botafogo. This ball was the only midfielder that year. In total, he managed to spend six matches.
The following season, Douglas Costa secured himself at the base of Gremio, but scored only one goal in 29 meetings. In January 2010, a football player for 6 million euros moved to Shakhtar (Donetsk).
Career at Shakhtar Donetsk
At Shakhtar, the Brazilian footballer did not need much time to acclimatize. Several Brazilians played for the Ukrainian club at that time, and Douglas Costa easily joined the squad. The midfielder has been in the team for almost six years.
Douglas’s debut for Shakhtar came in the Europa League match against the English Fulham. After 75 minutes, the player replaced Jadson. In the second leg at the Donbass Arena, Douglas Costa also replaced. According to the results of the two-match confrontation, Shakhtar lost to the British 2: 3.
That season, Shakhtar became the champion of Ukraine - it was the first trophy for Douglas Costa in the Pitmen.
In the 2010/2011 season, Douglas helped Shakhtar get into the Champions League playoffs for the first time in history. The team took first place in the group and continued the victorious procession in the 1/8 finals, defeating the Italian “Roma” in two matches. In 1/4 the Pitmen were stopped by the future winner of the tournament - Barcelona.
In the next four years, Shakhtar only made it to the Champions League playoffs twice and flew out at the 1/8 stage both times. But invariably became the champion of the country. In total, the Douglas Costa played 141 matches in the Orange-and-Black T-shirt and scored 29 goals in UPL.
In the fall of 2014, the footballer made his debut for the first Brazilian national team in a control match against Turkey.
Going to Bavaria
In the summer of 2015, the transition of Douglas Costa to Munich's Bavaria took place. The deal amounted to 30 million euros: this is one of the most expensive acquisitions in the history of the club (fourth place). Douglas Costa received the 11th number previously owned by Jerdan Shakiri.
The Brazilian midfielder made his debut for Bayern Munich in the match for the German Super Cup, in which the Munich team lost on a penalty kick to Wolfsburg. Douglas came out at the start and spent on the field all ninety minutes.
Douglas Costa scored his first goal for the German team thirteen days later at the Hamburg goal.
In early September, after Bayern's victory against Bayer Leverkusen, Douglas was criticized by his partner Arjen Robben. The Dutchman condemned him for the spectacular feint “rainbow”, which the team’s rookie pleased the fans at the end of the match with the score 3-0 in favor of Munich. Robben considered that this was a manifestation of disrespect for the opponent and that "such actions have a place in the circus."
Soccer Player Characteristics
Douglas Costa is 172 cm tall and weighs 65 kilograms. He is a pronounced lefty. It can play in almost any position in the midfield, as well as on the edges of the attack. In Bavaria, he most often comes out as a left midfielder.
Douglas scores not as often as other modern attacking midfielders, but compensates for this with assists. During the current season (2015/2016), he has already made 12 assists in 31 matches.
Experts note his excellent technique and ability to play pass. In many ways, it was the quality of Douglas Costa’s gear that helped him so quickly gain a foothold in the team of Josep Guardiola, a coach who puts emphasis on ball possession.
Douglas Costa: statistics and achievements
Statistics of a football player in all competitions as of March 16, 2016:
- As part of Gremio (2008-2009), Douglas Costa entered the field 37 times and scored two goals.
- For Shakhtar (2010-2015), the footballer played in 203 matches, scoring 38 goals in them.
- In the Bayern T-shirt, Douglas has currently taken part in 31 matches and scored 5 goals.
In national teams:
- Brazil (up to 20) - 12 matches, 4 goals.
- Brazil - 15 matches, 2 goals.
Club level achievements:
- Vice-champion of the Brazilian Serie A (2008).
- Five-time champion of Ukraine (seasons 2009/2010 - 2013/2014).
- Three-time winner of the Cup of Ukraine (seasons 2010/2011 - 2012/2013).
- Four-time winner of the Super Cup of Ukraine (2010, 2012 - 2014).
- Champion of South America in the youth team of Brazil (2009).
Here he is, footballer Douglas Costa! Undoubtedly a talented athlete!