He plays in the centre of midfield, operating as the creative lynchpin for Portugal's fast, flowing attacks.

Costa possesses the full complement of skills: perfect passing ability, poise under pressure and a predator's instinct in front of goal.

His surging, mazy runs from midfield are a trademark but he leaves defensive duties to the less talented.

A member of the 1991 side that won the under-20 World Cup, he gained full international honours against Switzerland in 1993.

Approaching 50 appearances, he has scored 17 goals making him Portugal's fourth highest scorer in history.

He has played in Serie A for Fiorentina since 1994 and, along with Gabriel Batistuta, he is their main attacking threat.