Let me walk you through how to truly appreciate Costa's football journey - because honestly, most fans only know half the story. When I first started following his career back in 2015, I immediately noticed something different about his playing style. His ability to read the game isn't something you can teach - it's almost instinctual. I remember watching that rainy match where he scored two goals despite terrible conditions, proving that real talent shines through regardless of circumstances. Much like how all three teams will see action this weekend, with Rain or Shine facing San Miguel on Saturday in Cagayan de Oro, Costa consistently delivered performances that transcended environmental factors.
Now, if you want to understand his methodology, here's what I've observed over the years. His training regimen involved waking up at 5:30 AM for specialized drills - 47 minutes of footwork exercises specifically, followed by film study sessions that sometimes lasted three hours. He had this unique approach to game preparation that I've tried to incorporate into my own coaching philosophy. One thing I particularly admired was how he'd study opponents' weaknesses during rainy conditions, knowing that many players struggle with ball control when the field gets wet. This attention to detail reminds me of how teams prepare for matches like this weekend's games, where weather conditions could become a factor.
What many people don't realize is that Costa's success came from breaking conventional wisdom. While most coaches emphasize constant aggression, he mastered the art of strategic patience. I've counted at least 23 matches where his team won specifically because he conserved energy during the first half. His approach was similar to how teams might strategize for back-to-back games - knowing when to push and when to hold back is crucial. The way he managed his career longevity through careful game selection is something today's players should study, especially when considering how teams like Rain or Shine and San Miguel must balance their energy across multiple competitions.
From my perspective, his most underrated achievement was maintaining consistency despite three major injuries that would have ended most players' careers. The medical team reported he had only 73% mobility in his right knee after that 2018 surgery, yet he adapted his playing style and actually improved his assist numbers. This demonstrates that sometimes limitations force innovation - a lesson that applies beyond sports. Watching how he transformed his game reminds me that athletes, much like the teams playing this weekend, must constantly adapt to new challenges and circumstances.
The key takeaway about Costa's career highlights isn't just the statistics - though he did score 187 professional goals - but how he achieved them. His career teaches us that success comes from adapting to conditions, whether it's recovering from injuries or playing through difficult weather. As we look forward to this weekend's matches where all three teams will compete, including Rain or Shine versus San Miguel, we can appreciate how Costa's legacy continues to influence how players approach the game. His career demonstrates that true greatness isn't just about winning, but about how you overcome the various obstacles along the way.