Douglas Costa: I want to be the best player in the world

Every top professional has dreams of one day being the best player in the world. That’s how they get to the elite level of the world’s game. Not every player is comfortable in voicing that opinion for fear of any sort of backlash from fans and rivals alike.

Douglas Costa, however, is not one of those players. “I want to be the best player in the world one day,” Costa said. “I don’t think it just depends on talent. Perhaps, I won’t achieve that target, but it’s the reason why I want to keep on working and training on and on.”

Still, Costa knows that nothing is guaranteed no matter how much work you put in. “I know I have to put in 100% to be the best player in the world. If I can’t do it, then at least I’ve tried.”

It’s hard to see anyone surpassing the exploits of Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on the field in the next year or two. Consistency is the key, and Costa has the potential to at least get himself into the discussion as an elite player. Barring a massive boost in the next year, it’s hard to see him surpassing the likes of Neymar who, despite having been a known commodity for longer, is actually younger than Costa.

For now, Costa will need to focus on being the absolute best winger in the world, which is a target within reach for the 2016-17 season. Costa’s speed and crossing ability makes him an impressive weapon for Bayern to use as they try and conquer Europe once again.