Chelsea legend Johnny Paton: 'Diego Costa would have thrived under Brian Clough'

Chelsea's oldest living former player Johnny Paton has said that Diego Costa would have thrived under the management of Brian Clough.

91-year-old Paton played for Chelsea in the 1946-47 season, but the former winger has said that Costa's talent would have made him a threat in any era.

"Diego Costa is a finisher, on the ground and in the air," he told the club's official website. "He's a world-class player. Barcelona have dominated the passing game for many years but that's what suits them.

"Brian Clough used to say to his teams that once you've made five or six passes and reached the opposition penalty area, don't pass it, just put it into the net for safety. Clough knew the most important thing in football was scoring goals and how you do it is irrelevant. You won't lose possession if it goes in the net and Diego Costa is one of the players who understands that.

"Once the ball comes into the area he doesn't mess about. All he's thinking about is scoring and he doesn't need too many chances."

Costa has netted 10 league goals since making a summer switch from La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.