By Andreas Vou (@AndreasVou89)

Since his controversial decision to play for Spain rather than his native Brazil, the Chelsea striker has heavily underperformed for La Roja, and it seems Del Bosque is left in an uneasy predicament as to what to do with the fiery striker.

After three major tournament successes on the bounce, it was widely held that Spain would need to seek alternative ways of winning as opponents were beginning to second guess their tiki-taka style. With the beastly presence of Diego Costa blazing through opposition defenses for Atletico Madrid, it seemed a logical move for Spain to attempt to naturalize the Brazilian.

But since Costa took the controversial decision to play for Spain, the results have been underwhelming. Friday’s friendly against England was his tenth cap for La Roja yet it was another no-show from the striker who has managed just one goal to his name for his adopted nation, which came in a 2016 Euro qualifier against Luxembourg.

More concerning than his lack of goals however, is his apparent incompatibility with the team. He and his teammates seem unsure of how to play when he is in the lineup, and at times looks as though the whole situation is a little forced. Spain look to play more direct with Costa in the side and, in doing so, slows down the rhythm at which the national team has been accustomed to playing in recent years. Spain are evidently out of sync with the 27-year-old as the lone striker and with the Euros approaching, Del Bosque has a dilemma on his hands.

Speaking to the Guardian in a recent interview, Del Bosque refuted that he was the wrong type of forward for Spain.

“No. Our midfield is good on the ball, with players whose touch is good, so we need forwards who create space, who move, who commit defenders, occupy them, and Diego does that. How can Costa be harmful for us? We have him so he can get in behind, run channels, pull wide,” said the 64-year-old.

Del Bosque bemoaned misfortune while also stating that there are other striking options available too:  “We’ve not had much luck with him but there’s nothing that goes against our style. Now we’re choosing between him, Morata and Paco Alcacer; those are the three for the future.”

With the boss publicly announcing that Paco Alcacer and Alvaro Morata are the other two candidates for the center-forward role next summer, how do the youngsters fare? 

Alcacer has put in a worthy claim, ending the qualifying campaign as Spain’s top scorer with five goals to his name, as well as one in a friendly against Costa Rica in June. Each time he has been given a chance, the Valencia forward has looked razor sharp.

Morata has not done his chances any harm either, scoring the only goal of a 1-0 win over Ukraine in March earlier this year, but with starting berths in the national side very limited, the indication is that he will play a bit role in the Euros.

Both players offer Spain different options up front but still have plenty to learn and neither is yet at the level to command a regular spot for a nation which is expected to challenge for top honors.

One must also wonder why, if Del Bosque genuinely sees a direct target up front as a plausible adaptation to Spain’s style, has Aritz Aduriz of Athletic Club not been given a chance given his superb form over the last 18 months. The Basque marksman managed 26 goals in all competitions last year and seven already in La Liga so far. 

Del Bosque’s insistence on Diego Costa, who has shown to be completely incompatible with the national team, as well as his shunning of Aduriz, appears to be a stubbornness from the manager which has been displayed on plenty of occasions during his tenure. 

An option which the manager could eventually go with is one that has served well on a number of times in the past. Del Bosque has frequently opted for a strikerless formation which has seen the likes of Cesc Fabregas and David Silva operate as a ‘false nine’ role which gives Spain fluidity and flexibility up front.

It remains to be seen how Del Bosque eventually plans to go about his current striking dilemma but until then, the jury is still very much out as to whether Diego Costa is the right man to lead Spain’s front line come June next year.