Has Chelsea's Diego Costa become more hassle than he is worth to Jose Mourinho?

Feisty striker's antics such as the mid-match spat with his manager on Tuesday are tolerated when he is scoring for fun but now the goals have dried up.

How do you solve a problem like Diego Costa ?

It is a dilemma that is becoming a bigger headache for Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho by the game.

And right now it is heading towards the point where the Spanish striker is becoming more hassle than he is worth.

The latest controversy in the 27-year-old’s Premier League career was his bust-up with Mourinho in the Blues’ 4-0 Champions League win at Maccabi Tel-Aviv .

Boss Mourinho blew his top at the striker when he made little attempt to get on the end of an Eden Hazard ball across the box just before half-time.

There was a similar incident in the victory over Norwich at the weekend , when Mourinho let his frustration at Costa’s failure to be in the right place at the right time show.

In Israel on Tuesday night, the Special One vented his fury at Costa who snapped back in an exchange of angry words and gestures.

In pictures — Maccabi Tel-Aviv 0-4 Chelsea:

While Mourinho’s behaviour is not unusual, it is rare to see such an open show of dissent from a player. And when two of the biggest names in English football are involved, it is all the more remarkable.

Oscar and John Terry played peacemakers as Costa stormed off and, despite unconfirmed suggestions he might not, the striker returned to the game after the break.

Costa sulked his way through the second half though, continuing to look like he was on the verge of another eruption but never looking like scoring.

And the Spaniard rounded off his night by storming down the tunnel — he was first off the pitch and blanked Mourinho, who was just yards away.

The Chelsea manager played down the row afterwards and, in reality, has little choice other than to try to keep Costa onside.

Loic Remy has failed to convince Mourinho he can be much more than a reliable back-up and the gamble on signing what remains of Radamel Falcao has backfired .

Borrowed time: On-loan Falcao is a shadow of his old self following a 2014 knee injury

Mourinho wants more firepower up front and has the likes of Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann, Gonzalo Higuain of Napoli, West Brom starlet Saido Berahino and Boca Juniors’ Jonathan Calleri on his radar.

But until he can buy again in January, he will have to persist with a striker whose form has plummeted and who might have been dropped by now if more appetising choices were available.

Costa’s antics - the bans , bookings and flash-points - are tolerated when he is scoring, but move sharply into focus when he is not.

He has just four goals in 17 appearances this season compared to 10 at the same stage of his debut Chelsea campaign last year and he has a measly seven since his ban for stamping on Liverpool’s Emre Can in January.

In your face! Costa was suspended after this incident with Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny

Heading for the exit? Costa squares up to Stoke's Geoff Cameron earlier this month

After 35 for Atletico Madrid to earn his £32million move to Chelsea, Costa scored another 20 in his first year to fire the Londoners to a title and Capital One Cup double.

It will take a turnaround almost as eye-catching as his Haifa clash with Mourinho for him to get near those figures again.

Tottenham v Chelsea: Gary Cahill urging Blues to keep up momentum for London derby

Gary Cahill hopes Chelsea can carry the momentum gained from claiming consecutive wins for the first time in two months into Sunday's London derby at Tottenham.

The reeling Premier League champions followed last Saturday's 1-0 win over Norwich with a 4-0 Champions League victory at Maccabi Tel Aviv which leaves their Group G fate in their own hands.

A truer test of their resurgence will come at White Hart Lane, though, where Chelsea lost 5-3 on New Year's Day.

"It's important we keep this momentum going," Cahill said.

"It was (important) for a number of reasons. First and foremost was for the Champions League and to make sure we put ourselves in a position to try to qualify top.

"But also to build the momentum off the back of the Norwich result and keep building these wins and try to gather wins to turn this around. It was important for a lot of reasons and very pleasing.

Would you like me to lapdance for you? Jose Mourinho made an appearance on Italian television show Chiambretti Night, shortly after his move to Italy. As England manager Fabio Capello once found out, part of the show involves a private dance from a scantily clad woman. Mourinho appeared to find it difficult to stay awake for the performance.

Chelsea are likely to be without John Terry against Spurs after the captain suffered an ankle injury on a pitch boss Jose Mourinho described as "dangerous".

Ramires also suffered an injury on the eve of the encounter, ruling the midfielder out of the match. The full extent of the injuries is likely to be determined by scans, while Mourinho will have work to do to inspire Diego Costa back to form after the pair's half-time bust-up in Haifa.

The absence of Terry may hinder the Blues, but they have 48 hours' additional preparation time than Spurs, returning from Israel on Wednesday as their rivals flew out to Azerbaijan for their Europa League clash with Qarabag, which takes place tonight.

Sunday's midday kick-off time has irked Mauricio Pochettino, whose side have lost three times in 18 games in all competitions this season. Chelsea sit 10 points and 10 places behind Spurs in the Premier League.

"We've got this week to prepare for the Tottenham game," Cahill added. "They're playing very well. I've no doubt it'll be an entertaining game and one where we're hoping to be on the end of the right result."

Chelsea's defeat of Norwich ended a three-match losing streak in the Premier League and the win over Maccabi leaves Chelsea certain of qualification for the Champions League last 16 if they beat Mourinho's former club Porto at Stamford Bridge on December 9.

Porto lost at home to Dynamo Kiev, who play Maccabi Tel Aviv in the final game and could also qualify, with the Israelis eliminated.

"We knew at half-time they (Kiev) were leading so it meant it was even more important for us," Cahill added. "We knew if we won, it would be in our hands at Stamford Bridge. So bring it on."

It was Cahill's goal which began a rout which materialised only late on as 10-man Maccabi made Chelsea work for victory.

Willian's free-kick and late headers from Oscar and Kurt Zouma completed the win.

Uefa have ordered Dynamo Kiev to play their next three European home games in an empty stadium as punishment for offences including racist behaviour by fans during the Champions League match against Chelsea last month.

Football's European anti-discrimination body Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) passed footage to Uefa of an apparent attack on four black fans at the match in Ukraine on October 20 which ended 0-0. Charges were brought against Dynamo for racist behaviour, crowd disturbances and blocked stairways.

The club have also been fined €100,000 and the order of closed doors for the third match will be suspended for three years.

A Uefa statement read: "Dynamo Kiev have been ordered to play their next three Uefa matches as host club behind closed doors."

Nevin: Oscar key in next few weeks for Chelsea

Former Chelsea midfielder Pat Nevin says Brazilian midfielder Oscar is the club’s most important player ahead of the likes of Eden Hazard at the moment, per BBC Sport.

Oscar, 24, hasn’t quite established himself as a big player under boss Jose Mourinho and has been overshadowed by a number of teammates in the squad. He was linked with a move away this summer, with Italian giants Juventus reportedly interested (Express).

Oscar to return to No.10 role against Maccabi Tel Aviv

The Brazilian playmaker’s role in the team this year has been sporadic due to injury. Having played, and scored in the 2-2 draw against Swansea City on the opening day of the season, he picked up an issue in training and has not played since, but returned against Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the Champions League.

Oscar’s development over the past three seasons.

Nevin believes Oscar has a big role to play for the Blues this season.

“Hazard was the best player in the country last season, but only until six games before the end of the season. Since then he has looked unrecognisable and if he is not creating chances and Fabregas is not creating them, Costa is not going to score goals.

“I think the answer is closing down further up the field. They can’t do that with Hazard but I think they can with Oscar.

“I think Oscar might be the most important player over the next few games.”

Chelsea have conceded 12 goals in their five opening Premier League fixtures.

Chelsea have made a terrible start to their latest Premier League title defence, losing three of their first five games. After Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Everton and Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, they are already 11 points off the pace.

Their success last term was built on a solid defence, conceding the fewest amount of goals in the league with 32. This term, they have already let in 12.

Oscar returns to Brazil squad with Neymar missing

The Chelsea midfielder joins Liverpool's Philippe Countinho in the 23-man squad that will face Chile and Venezuela in October's World Cup qualifiers

Chelsea midfielder Oscar will return to the Brazil squad for the October’s World Cup qualifiers, but former World Player of the Year Kaka has failed to make a squad that will also be missing captain Neymar.

Brazil begin their qualification campaign for Russia 2018 with a trip to Santiago to face reigning South American champions Chile before hosting Venezuela.

Barcelona forward Neymar is suspended for both matches after receiving a red card in Brazil’s Copa America group stage defeat to Colombia in June.

Midfielder Oscar has not appeared for his country since pulling out June’s Copa America squad through injury.

Orlando City star Kaka made a shock return to the Selecao for this month’s Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour victories over Costa Rica and USA, but has been left out in the cold despite Dunga’s insistence on brining more experience to the group.

Liverpool’s Philippe Countinho is back in the squad proper after he was originally left out of the group that travelled to the USA earlier this month, earning a return only after Oscar forced to withdraw because of fitness issues. 

Filipe Luis, who also missed September’s squad through injury, is back at the expense of Atletico Mineiro’s Douglas Santos.

Bayern Munich full-back Rafinha returns to the international scence for the first time since March 2014, while Corinthians defender Gil come in to replace Arsenal's Gabriel Paulista. Gil's club-mate, Renato Augusto, has made the Selecao for the first time since 2011.

Paris Saint-German defenders David Luiz and Marquinhos were also included, while Thiago Silva was once again left out in the cold.

Brazil technical coordinator Gilmar Rinaldi also confirmed that former World Cup-winner Cafu will accompany the coaching staff as guest assistant for the two international dates.

Brazil squad in full

Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Marcelo Grohe (Gremio), Alisson (Internacional).

Defenders: David Luiz (PSG), Miranda (Inter Milan), Marquinhos (PSG), Gil (Corinthians), Fabinho (Monaco), Rafinha (Bayern Munich), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Marcelo (Real Madrid).

Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Elias (Corinthians), Renato Augusto (Corinthians), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich), Lucas Lima (Santos), Lucas Moura (PSG), Willian (Chelsea), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool), Oscar (Chelsea).

Forwards: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Hulk (Zenit).

Oscar: Don't rule Chelsea out the title race

The Brazilian netted a penalty to help lift the gloom around Stamford Bridge with a 4-0 Champions League win over Maccabi Tel Aviv.

But Arsenal visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday in what will be a much stiffer test of Jose Mourinho’s side and their current state of form.

Chelsea have won only one of their opening five league games, leaving them 11 points behind City and just one place off the relegation zone in their worst start to a season in 29 years.

But Oscar, Chelsea’s best player on the night, said: ““We have not lost the title. It’s so early. Last season we were eight points in front of Man City in January and then City came back to have the same points as us.

“We need to come back strong now. We need to try again.”

Goals from Willian, Oscar, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas gave Chelsea a win they desperately needed, and Oscar said: “Everyone has been sad before the games because we haven’t won and we needed to win.

“Now we have won and we are happy. Everyone has changed and is confident now. This team won the Premier League last year - we need to take the confidence from that.

“Everyone been lacking in confidence before the games because of our run. We changed a little bit. But all the players are important for us. We need everyone.

“Chelsea have a lot of really good players. We won on Wednesday night, but we haven’t played well in the Premier League - we need to win against Arsenal now.”

Jose Mourinho slams Juventus boss over Oscar and Ramires amid Paul Pogba Chelsea links

JOSE MOURINHO had a dig at Juventus manager Manager Massimiliano Allegri and claimed he wouldn't follow in his footsteps by trying to unsettle players at other clubs.

Mourinho was unhappy after Allegri publicly declared his interest in signing Chelsea's Brazilian pair Oscar and Ramires.

Juventus star Paul Pogba has been the subject of intense speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea, but Mourinho refused to use his press conference before the clash with Crystal Palace as a chance to discuss the rumours.

“He is a Juventus player,” Mourinho said.

“I did a little critic at my friend Allegri because I didn’t like him speaking during the summer about Oscar and Ramires.

“I’m not going to be like that with Pogba. He is a Juventus player.”

Jose Mourinho refused to talk about the possibility of signing Paul Pogba

A deal for Pogba could still be on the cards, however, as Mourinho refused to rule out dipping in to the transfer market before the window closes on September 1.

The Blues have also been pursuing John Stones but Mourinho was equally tight-lipped when asked if he would continue to pursue his interest in the Everton defender.

Tough tackling Oscar ready to come to Chelsea's rescue

Oscar is due to return from injury following the international break

It is fair to say that Chelsea have not had the best of starts to the season in their defence of last year’s title. Their 2-1 loss at home to Crystal Palace means that they have the second lowest tally of points after four games by any reigning champion in Premier League history. As well as the obvious problems in defence they also have headaches in other areas of the pitch too.

Eden Hazard has been extremely quiet compared to fantastic campaign last year and Cesc Fabregas seems to have lost his metronomic like passing ability. Meanwhile, up front, Diego Costa seems more interested in finding fights then finding the back of the net.

One player whose reputation has been spared during this slow start has been midfielder Oscar. The 23 year old has been on the sidelines due to a muscular injury picked up in training meaning he has missed the last three games. The only game Oscar has played is the 2-2 opening day draw against Swansea in which he scored the opener.

The wiry midfielder has been somewhat forgotten as the signature of Pedro and the struggles of John Terry have been highlighted repeatedly. There is a reason why Jose Mourinho resisted the attempts of Juventus to sign Oscar and that is because he is a vital part of Chelsea’s midfield.

Let’s take a look at the start of last season for example. Chelsea started last year’s campaign like a train and won seven of the first eight games. During this time Oscar scored three times and provided two assists but it was not only his attacking that contributed to Chelsea’s flying start. The Brazilian had made 26 tackles during those first eight games to really stamp his authority on the opposition midfield. Compare this to Jack Wilshere who made only 5.

Oscar’s tackling is a trait that not a lot of people pick up on.  The thought of such a slim, technical player having an aggressive side is hard to imagine for some but Oscar is tougher than he looks. Evidence of this could be found in Brazil’s quarter final win over Colombia in the 2014 World Cup. Oscar gave as good as he got as a real battle unfolded in the battle for a semi final place.

The advantage of having such a player playing just behind a striker cannot be overstated. Chelsea were so successful last year because of the way they closed down the opposition so quickly. Pressing teams high up the pitch allowed them to retrieve the ball quicker and bully teams such as Tottenham who limped away following a 3-0 defeat.

This year Chelsea  are not as dynamic and it may not be a coincidence that Oscar has missed most of the poor start. The great thing for Chelsea fans is that when he returns he will be fresher than ever. During the summer, Oscar missed the Copa America with a thigh injury which allowed him to have a summer of rest for the first time in five years! Maybe the constant football of previous summers can be cited as a reason for Oscar waning in influence towards the end of the last two campaigns.

At one point it seemed that Oscar would be playing in Juventus this year as Chelsea chased the signature of Paul Pogba. For fans of the London club it is a stroke of good fortune that such a player has remained at Stamford Bridge. It seems that the 23 year old is also content with where he is in what will be his fourth season at the club.

“I know there has been a lot of talk about Juventus,” Oscar told the Daily Mail. “But I am very, very happy at Chelsea.”

Chelsea planning double swoop for Stones and Pogba after beating Man Utd to Pedro

Chelsea have set their sights on Everton defender John Stones and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, following their last minute acquisition of Barcelona forward Pedro.

The Blues swooped late in proceedings to secure Pedro for more than £21million from under the noses of Premier League rivals Manchester United on Thursday.

The Daily Express is reporting that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is not done with his summer spending spree and is set to table an offer of nearly £40million for Stones in the coming days.

It is understood that Mourinho is also eager to lure Pogba to Stamford Bridge and may include Chelsea's Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado.

Cuadrado has already been negotiating the possibility of a loan deal with Juventus.

However, it is believed the Serie A club's preference is for Chelsea to send Brazilian playmaker Oscar to Turin for Pogba to head the other day to West London.

Pedro plus Pogba at Chelsea? A fantastic window for Jose

COMMENT: Incredibly, Chelsea have secured the signing of Pedro from Barcelona. I'm not too sure how... But it is officially wrapped up after approximately 24 hours!

Weeks of Manchester United sniffing around, with even Ed Woodward flying out to Barcelona only for Chelsea to sneak in. Seems a bit odd, I can only imagine that Pedro preferred a move to Chelsea. But United are claiming they didn't want him... After flying out to Barcelona to try and get him... Strange.

Anyway, I think this will see Oscar dropped to the bench. Obviously the obvious option would be to drop Willian and play Pedro in his position on the right. However, I think Mourinho will probably move Willian into the central attacking role, where Oscar plays, and move Pedro to the right. Oscar may have to up his game to get back into the team to be honest.

Furthermore, the bookie's odds of PAUL POGBA signing have been slashed! Now for all the criticism Jose Mourinho has received for his transfer dealings in this window, I think that if this were to happen it would go down as a fantastic transfer window.

However I, like most people, feel that this is a long shot. But I can't help but feel that this Chelsea squad needs adding to. When it comes to the big teams I think they will struggle, as shown in the Man City game. Sorry but I am still not convinced by the sales of Kevin De Bruyne and Juan Mata.

Another central attacking midfielder would be a breath of fresh air for Chelsea I feel. The key here is CENTRAL. Oscar can be too inconsistent and now it looks as if Willian, who is a wide player, will be played in a central role. Just imagine if Chelsea still had Mata or De Bruyne!

I don't mean to lay into Mourinho anymore than I have done, but I do question what he is thinking some of the time. A central attacking midfielder and a centre back and it could be argued the squad is entirely complete. The centre back could be John Stones but Everton clearly rate him very very highly. There is now talk of £40 million! Sorry but that is truly ludicrous money to say the least.

As for the upcoming West Brom game, it is simple, Chelsea have to win. Anything else other than a win and it could spell big, big trouble for the Blues. Any points dropped and it's a MASSIVE uphill task. The big question is will John Terry play? Substituted for the first time ever in the Premier League under Jose Mourinho has led to questions over his future.

I for one hope that he starts as, to me anyway, it looks like Mourinho might be using Terry as yet another of his scapegoats.

Die Hard Charlie is Chelsea mad and part of the Cheeky Sport team. For more from from Charlie visit the Cheeky Sport Youtube channel and subscribe. And if you see them at the game, say 'hello' and get involved! 

Kaka aims to earn a spot on Brazil 2018 qualifying team

Orlando City SC midfielder Kaka said his goal is to remain with the Selecao for 2018 World Cup qualifying after the two September friendlies in the United States.

The 2007 Ballon d'Or winner, who played on Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning squad, was a surprise inclusion on Dunga's 24-man squad for two important tests against Costa Rica and the United States. Brazil will face Costa Rica at Red Bull Arena on Sept. 5, before taking on the U.S. team at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 8.

"This year we have four matches more after the two friendlies, and I would like to be part of this group so I will do everything possible," Kaka told ESPN. "In this moment, though, I am thinking about the short period, what I can give to the national team in this moment. I hope at these two friendlies to do everything to stay on national team."

Kaka, the 33-year-old former Milan and Real Madrid player, was included after being left out of the squads for the 2015 Copa America and the 2014 World Cup.

The five-time World Cup champions Brazil will open their World Cup qualifying campaign away against Copa America holders Chile in October.

Their first two home games will be against Venezuela in Fortaleza in October and Peru in Salvador in November.

"I see the national team in a transition period right now. Since the World Cup they have done a great streak with, I think it  was 11 matches won and that is a good streak," Kaka said in reference to Brazil having won 10 friendlies in a row headed into Copa America. "And then the Copa America and the loss against Paraguay raised questions again, but I think with patience and all of Brazil behind us we will return to being a credible team."

Brazil lost their second group game in the Copa America to Colombia and were then knocked out by Paraguay on penalties in quarterfinals.

Kaka is the most veteran player in a squad for the two friendlies that includes Neymar, Hulk, Lucas and Oscar but omits Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho and Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva.

During his professional career, Kaka made more than 89 appearances for Brazil, playing in three World Cups and winning a World Cup title in 2002. The midfielder last featured for Brazil in October 2014, coming off the bench in friendly victories over Japan and Argentina.

He has played a crucial role in Orlando City's inaugural campaign, and the club has attributed his current drought of no goals and just two assists in the last five games to an ankle knock.

"The league is growing a lot," Kaka said of MLS. "Our club is in its first year and it's not easy becausee you are starting a team from zero, new players and a series of things that make a difference in football and so it is not easy.

"But I am happy to play in this league, I see it growing and I know what it can do in future. After I signed with Orlando, many other players who had options in other markets decided to come here.

"I don't know whether my decision influenced them but the fact is that they are here. [NYCFC's Andrea] Pirlo, [LA Galaxy's Steven] Gerrard, [NYCFC's Frank] Lampard, [Galaxy's Gio] dos Santos, [Montreal's Didier] Drogba are all here and for the next markets and transfer windows more will come to play here."

Oscar (footballer, born 1991)

This name uses Portuguese naming customs. The first or maternal family name is dos Santos and the second or paternal family name is Emboaba.

Oscar

Oscar playing for Chelsea in 2014
Personal information
Full name	Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior[1]
Date of birth	9 September 1991 (age 23)
Place of birth	Americana, Brazil
Height	1.79 m (5 ft 10 1⁄2 in)
Playing position	Midfielder
Club information
Current team	Chelsea
Number	8
Youth career
1998–2004	União Barbarense
2004–2009	São Paulo
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2008–2010	São Paulo	11	(0)
2010–2012	Internacional	36	(11)
2012–	Chelsea	95	(19)
National team‡
2009–2011	Brazil U20	25	(9)
2012	Brazil U23	6	(1)
2011–	Brazil	45	(12)
Honours[show]
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 8 August 2015. † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 27 March 2015

Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior (Brazilian Portuguese: [osˈkaʁ duˈsɐ̃tus imboˈabɐ ˈʒũnioɾ]; born 9 September 1991), better known as simply Oscar, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for English club Chelsea and theBrazil national team.

Oscar began his career at São Paulo, where he won the Brazilian League in 2008. In 2009, he went to court against the club due to irregularities in his contract. After a series of controversies, he left for Internacional, where he spent the next three years of his career. His displays for club and country led to him signing for Chelsea for a fee of £19.35 million.

He is a Brazilian international and has represented his country at the under-20 level, at the 2012 London Olympics and at senior level. On 20 August 2011, Oscar scored three goals in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup final win against Portugal,^[2] becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in the FIFA U-20 World Cup final.^[3] Oscar later described his performances at the tournament as being a "gateway to the senior side."^[4] His playing style and ability have drawn comparison to compatriot Kaká.^[5][6][7]

Contents

  [hide] 

• 1 Club career
  • 1.1 Early career
  • 1.2 Internacional
  • 1.3 Chelsea
    • 1.3.1 2012–13 season
    • 1.3.2 2013–14 season
    • 1.3.3 2014–15 season
    • 1.3.4 2015–16 season
• 2 International career
  • 2.1 Under-20
  • 2.2 2012 Olympics
  • 2.3 Senior team
• 3 Playing style
• 4 Personal life
• 5 Career statistics
  • 5.1 Club
  • 5.2 International
  • 5.3 International goals
• 6 Honours
  • 6.1 Club
  • 6.2 Country
  • 6.3 Individual
• 7 References
• 8 Notes
• 9 External links

Club career[edit]

Early career[edit]

Hernanes and Oscar training for São Paulo in 2009

Born in Americana, Oscar came through the youth academy at União Barbarense and impressed from an early age. Oscar was spotted by talent scouts who took him to the state capital where he subsequently joined São Paulo FC in 2004 at the age of 13. He made his professional debut in 2008. In 2009, he made 11 appearances for the first team, aged just 17.

Internacional[edit]

Initially, Oscar joined Internacional after a contractual dispute with his former club São Paulo, with Oscar's agent claiming that the club had not paid salaries as promised. Oscar's representatives argued that his contract with São Paulo was null and void whereupon Oscar joined Internacional as a free agent. São Paulo continued to claim that Oscar belonged to them and lodged legal appeals which prevented Oscar from playing for Internacional in vital Copa Libertadores fixtures. Eventually, a settlement was agreed upon between São Paulo and Internacional on 30 May 2012. Oscar's first season at Internacional was blighted by injury.

Chelsea[edit]

2012–13 season[edit]

On 16 July 2012, Chelsea agreed a fee of £19.35 million for Oscar, a fee that was released in the financial statement from Internacional for that year.^{[8][9][10][11][12][13]} On 19 August 2012, Oscar made his debut for Chelsea by coming on in the 64th minute for Eden Hazard in their opening game of the 2012–13 season against Wigan Athletic.^[14][15]On 25 July, Chelsea announced on their official website the signing of Oscar had been completed on a 5-year contract, after they had agreed a deal with Internacional.^[16]

Oscar made his first start of the season on 19 September in Chelsea's first Champions League match against Juventus. After making the match 1–0 in favour of Chelsea with a deflected effort, he added a second, which curled over Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon in an eventual 2–2 draw. Oscar was then awarded Man of the Match honours.^[17] He commented on his second goal, saying, "I am very happy with two goals on my debut but I would have been much happier if the team had won the game. In Brazil, young boys dream of playing in the Champions League and I'm very proud to have realised my dream."^[18]

Oscar playing for Chelsea in October 2012

Three days later, Oscar then made his first Premier League start in a 1–0 victory over Stoke City.^[19] Following his good performances, Oscar became a regular starter in Roberto Di Matteo's creative midfield triumvirate with Juan Mata and Eden Hazard. He scored his third goal of the season, in the Champions League, in Chelsea's 2–1 away defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk in Donetsk. Oscar continued his scoring record in Europe by scoring in an open net from 40 yards out in the reverse fixture against Shakhtar at Stamford Bridge, a match which Chelsea won 3–2.^[20] Oscar also scored in Europe in ultimately Chelsea's last Champions League fixture, making the score 6–1 for Chelsea against debutantes Nordsjælland.^[21]

After the sacking of manager Di Matteo on 21 November, interim manager Rafael Benítez only started Oscar three times in his first seven games. Benítez praised Oscar's attitude after dropping him for the FIFA Club World Cup Final against Corinthians and believed there was no rift between himself and the player.^[22] He scored his first Premier League goal for the club on 23 December, scoring a penalty during an 8–0 win against Aston Villa.^[23]

On 14 February 2013, less than a minute after coming off the bench to replace Mata, Oscar exchanged passes with Hazard before finishing pastTomáš Vaclík, breaking the deadlock and handing Chelsea a 1–0 away victory over Sparta Praha in the first leg of their Europea League Round of 32 clash.^[24]

On 15 May, Oscar played the full ninety minutes as Chelsea defeated Benfica 2–1 in the Europa League final in Amsterdam, securing his first piece of silverware with the London club.^[25] The following day, Oscar capped off his first season with the club with an individual award, as his goal against Juventus in the Champions League was named the Chelsea "Goal of the Season."^[26]

2013–14 season[edit]

Oscar preparing a free kick in a Champions League match againstParis Saint-Germain on 8 April 2014

In the first match of the 2013–14 season on 18 August, Oscar scored Chelsea's opening goal in a 2–0 win over Hull City.^[27] Oscar scored his second goal of the season in a Champions League match against FC Basel.^[28] He opened the scoring against local rivals Fulham in the next round of Premier League fixtures, the final score being 2–0 with Mikel scoring the other goal, his first Premier League goal for Chelsea.^[29] Oscar scored the opening goal in a match away to Norwich City, the final score 3–1 in favour of Chelsea.^[30] In the match against Cardiff City, Oscar scored the third goal for Chelsea to help them on their way to a 4–1 home win.^[31]

He continued his fine form and scored against West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground on 1 October 2013 in Chelsea's 0–3 win. On 1 January 2014 Oscar put in a match-winning performance against Southampton at St Mary's Stadium, scoring one and assisting two as Chelsea won the match 0–3. However, he was booked in that match for diving.^[32] On 26 January 2014 Oscar scored Chelsea's only goal by a free kick against Stoke City in the FA Cup as Chelsea progressed to the next round.^[33] Oscar scored fourth and fifth goals in Chelsea's emphatic 6–0 victory over Arsenal on 23 March, which was Arsène Wenger's 1000th match in charge of the club.^[34]

2014–15 season[edit]

Before the start of the season, Oscar's shirt number 11 was given back to the returning Didier Drogba, and he instead took the number 8 vacated by Frank Lampard earlier in the summer. He said "Didier is a Chelsea legend and a senior player. I am happy for him to take the 11 and for me to take the 8. Lamps is another legend at this club and I hope I will be as successful in the shirt as he was."^[35]

His first goal of the season came in the third round of the League Cup, scoring the game winner from outside the box against Championship side Bolton on 24 September 2014.^[36] His first league goal of the season came in Chelsea's following game, opening the scoring in their 3–0 home victory over Aston Villa.^[37] His early season success was rewarded in November as he signed a new contract with the club keeping him with the Blues until the end of the 2018–19 season.^[38]

Oscar scored twice in the first half of Chelsea's 5–0 away win at Swansea City on 17 January 2015, exploiting a wayward pass by Gylfi Sigurðsson to open the scoring after 50 seconds.^[39]

2015–16 season[edit]

Oscar scored Chelsea's first goal of the season in an eventual 2–2 home draw with Swansea, being substituted early in the second half after the dismissal of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.^[40]

International career[edit]

Under-20[edit]

On 20 August 2011, Oscar scored three goals in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup final win against Portugal,^[2] becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in the FIFA U-20 World Cup final.^[3] This performance was immediately compared to the 1966 hat trick by Geoff Hurst as only the second time a single player scored three goals in a World Cup final match.

2012 Olympics[edit]

Oscar playing for Brazil at the2012 Olympics

Oscar was named into a strong Brazilian squad to compete at the Olympics in London.^[41] Oscar starred in Brazil's 3–2 victory over Egypt in the opening game, providing the assists for goals by Rafael and Leandro Damião.^[42][43] In Brazil's next game, a 3–1 victory over Belarus, Oscar netted the Seleção's third goal in injury time, after being played through by Neymar, to send the Brazilians into the quarter-finals.^[44] All goals in the Olympics was assisted or scored by Oscar and Neymar, the two prodigies who are both regarded as the exceptional talents coming from Brazil. Oscar provided two assists, one to Rômulo and another for Leandro Damião, as the Seleção defeated South Korea 3–0 in the semi-finals at Old Trafford on 7 August. Brazil went on to lose the final against Mexico 2–1.^[45]

Senior team[edit]

Oscar on the ball against Mexico at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Oscar was given his first senior call-up as a substitute in a 0–0 draw against Argentina.^[46] Due to injuries to the attacking midfielder Ganso, he saw his national team opportunities increase and was even preferred over more experienced playmakers on a number of occasions.^[47] In June 2012, Oscar scored his first international goal in a friendly match against Argentina, which Brazil went on to lose 4–3. He also scored apenalty kick against China as well as recording three assists in the 8–0 rout, before firing a brace against Iraq one month later.^[48]

On 25 March 2013 Oscar played against Russia at Stamford Bridge with fellow Chelsea teammates David Luiz and Ramires. He wore the nation's iconic 10 number shirt.

Oscar played in all of Brazil's games in the tournament as they beat Spain 3–0 in the final to claim the trophy. He provided the assist for the second goal in the final, scored by Neymar.^[49]

In the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, on 12 June against Croatia in São Paulo, Oscar scored in injury time with a toe-poke from outside the box for the last goal in a 3–1 win.^[50] In Brazil's record-breaking 7–1 semi-final defeat to Germany on 8 July, Oscar scored the only goal for Brazil in the 90th minute. Alongside Thiago Silva, he was one of two Brazilians included in the Team of the Tournament.^[51] In the tournament, he also played and started every game showing incredible performances in the tournament.

Due to an injury in training, Oscar was not included in Brazil's squad for the 2015 Copa América in Chile.^[52]

Playing style[edit]

Oscar playing for Chelsea against A.S. Roma in a friendly in August 2013

Although only 23 years old, Oscar has drawn many comparisons to well-established players Mesut Özil and fellow Brazilian teammateKaká due to his playmaking abilities.^[53] A superb dribbler, Oscar is very fluid and creative in his runs. As a playmaker, Oscar has great vision and is able to deliver the precise pass to his teammates. Oscar is extremely effective in building up play in areas higher up the pitch and his cunning runs as well as skillful short range passing make him a threat in and near the opponent's box. Although he typically played in central attacking midfield for Internacional, since his transfer to Chelsea, Oscar has been deployed as in all three attacking midfield positions behind the central striker. Known for his vision for picking out teammates in tight positions and carving out chances in difficult situations, Oscar acts as the catalyst in Chelsea's attack, and was widely praised for his role in the team's Europa League success in 2013. Under José Mourinho, Oscar has been used as Chelsea's primary playmaker.^[54] His flexibility of being able to play in wider positions is also admired. Oscar's ability to press opponents high up the pitch has made him a favorite of Mourinho.^[55]

Personal life[edit]

Oscar is married to his childhood sweetheart, Ludmila, who is of Japanese descent. They were married in 2011.^[56] Oscar is a practising Catholic and prays before each game so that he can relax and find confidence for the match.^[57] He started taking English classes when he moved to London and became flat neighbours with former teammate Juan Mata and Fulham midfielder Giorgos Karagounis upon his arrival at the club.^[58] Oscar and his wife have a daughter named Júlia who was born on 5 June 2014.^[59]

Career statistics[edit]

Club[edit]

As of 8 August 2015.^{[60][61][62][63]}

Club	Season	League		National Cup		League Cup		Continental		Other		Total
		Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Brazil		Brasileirão		Copa do Brasil		Paulista		Continental[64]		Club World Cup		Total
São Paulo	2009	11	0	0	0	1	0	2[a]	0	—		14	0
	Total	11	0	0	0	1	0	2	0	—		14	0
Internacional	2010	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1[b]	0	6	0
	2011	26	10	0	0	11	0	7[c]	3	—		44	13
	2012	5	1	0	0	9	4	6[a]	1	—		20	6
	Total	36	11	0	0	20	4	13	4	1	0	70	19
England		Premier League		FA Cup		Football League Cup		Europe		Other[65]		Total
Chelsea	2012–13	34	4	7	2	5	0	16[d]	6	2	0	64	12
	2013–14	33	8	3	2	0	0	11[e]	1	—		47	11
	2014–15	27	6	2	0	4	1	7[f]	0	—		40	7
	2015–16	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1[g]	0	2	1
	Total	95	19	12	4	9	1	34	7	3	0	153	31
Career total		142	30	12	4	30	5	49	11	4	0	237	50

1. ^ Jump up to:^a b All appearances in Copa Libertadores
2. Jump up^ one appearance in FIFA Club World Cup
3. Jump up^ Six appearances and 3 goals in Copa Libertadores, one appearance in Recopa Sudamericana
4. Jump up^ One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, 6 appearances and 5 goals in UEFA Champions League, 9 appearances and one goal in Europa League
5. Jump up^ One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, 10 appearances and 1 goal in UEFA Champions League
6. Jump up^ All appearances in UEFA Champions League
7. Jump up^ Appearance in FA Community Shield

International[edit]

As of 27 March 2014.

Brazil national team
Year	Apps	Goals
2011	2	0
2012	10	4
2013	16	4
2014	16	3
2015	1	1
Total	45	12

International goals[edit]

Scores and results list Brazil's goal tally first.

Goal	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1.	9 June 2012	MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA	Argentina	2–2	3–4	Friendly
2.	10 September 2012	Estádio do Arruda, Recife, Brazil	China PR	8–0	8–0	Friendly
3.	11 October 2012	Swedbank Stadion, Malmö, Sweden	Iraq	1–0	6–0	Friendly
4.				2–0
5.	21 March 2013	Stade de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland	Italy	2–0	2–2	Friendly
6.	9 June 2013	Arena do Grêmio, Porto Alegre, Brazil	France	1–0	3–0	Friendly
7.	12 October 2013	Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea	South Korea	2–0	2–0	Friendly
8.	15 October 2013	Beijing National Stadium, Beijing, China	Zambia	1–0	2–0	Friendly
9.	5 March 2014	Soccer City, Johannesburg, South Africa	South Africa	1–0	5–0	Friendly
10.	12 June 2014	Arena Corinthians, São Paulo, Brazil	Croatia	3–1	3–1	2014 FIFA World Cup
11.	8 July 2014	Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte, Brazil	Germany	1–7	1–7	2014 FIFA World Cup
12.	26 March 2015	Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France	France	1–1	3–1	Friendly

Honours[edit]

Club[edit]

Internacional

• Campeonato Gaúcho (2): 2011, 2012
• Recopa Sudamericana (1): 2011

Chelsea

• Premier League (1): 2014–15
• Football League Cup (1): 2014–15
• UEFA Europa League (1): 2012–13

Country[edit]

Brazil

• South American Youth Championship: 2011
• FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2011
• Superclásico de las Américas: 2011, 2014
• Olympic Silver Medal: 2012
• FIFA Confederations Cup: 2013

Individual[edit]

• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2014
• Chelsea Goal of the season (2): 2012–13, 2014–15