Douglas Costa Can Replace Ribery Or Robben - Elber

Forum 9 years ago

Douglas Costa Can Replace Ribery Or Robben - Elber

The ex-Brazil international says that his compatriot has what it takes to thrive in Bavaria - if there is not too much pressure placed upon him


Former Bayern Munich striker Giovane Elber believes that Douglas Costa could prove a fine replacement for either Franck Riberyor Arjen Robben ahead of his expected move, but stresses that he must be given time to settle at the Allianz Arena.


Shakhtar Donetsk star Costa is set to complete a €35 million move to Bavaria, with the Ukrainian side's coach, Mircea Lucescu, admitting earlier this week that the Bundesliga champions are desperate to wrap up a deal for the 24-year-old.


Elber can also understand Bayern's interest in the Brazil international, with wing wonders Ribery and Robben now 32 and 31, respectively.


"Bayern are always looking forward," the 42-year-old toldBild. "We know that Ribery and Robben's time will eventually be over. And then Bayern has to replace them.


"Douglas can create, but it is not an easy task for him. One hopes, of course, that the boy quickly becomes a hit.


"But one must not put too much pressure on him.
He has to start slowly so that he can be integrated into the team and Bayern's system, as well as life in Germany."


Costa, who missed a penalty in the shootout as Brazil were eliminated from the Copa America by Paraguay on Saturday, joined Shakhtar from Gremio in 2010 and has helped the side win five successive Ukrainian Premier League titles.
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