The Betfair Big Interview: Paul Elliott on Diego Costa versus Harry Kane

Hi Paul. It's been a great season for Chelsea so far - how do you rate this team?

Oh very highly. They've played some wonderful, exquisite football this season. It's so good on the eye and that's because of the quality of the players they signed in the summer. I've always said in football you are only as good as your recruitment, and Chelsea's this summer was top drawer. Those new players have made an immediate impact.

Who do you rate as the best of them?

Diego Costa, definitely. He reminds me of the sort of centre-forwards I faced every week back in the 1980s, bristling with aggression and always looking for confrontation. I'd have loved to play against him, I liked those physical duels which aren't so much part of the game any longer. The difference is this guy also has amazing technical quality. You see his physical approach first, but then his first touch is amazing. That will be a real big challenge for Tottenham's defenders.

How important is this competition to Chelsea?

It's huge, actually. Jose Mourinho's last spell of success in England started by winning the League Cup. They won that and went on to win loads more, and they need to do that again.

Are you a fan of The Special One?

Absolutely. I go to the club and you can see the effect he's had behind the scenes. It started in his first spell in charge, and he is doing the same again.

Tell us more

People talk about a "winning mentality", and you can see that on the field. But when you can get behind the scenes it is in every department of the club. Mourinho recognises the broader psychology. A football club isn't just about the team, it is about the whole football club. That's the golden thread that runs through Stamford Bridge and the Cobham training ground now. It comes from the people who cook the food for the players, the people who do the laundry, the administration. Everybody has a significant role and that's to win and support each other. Mourinho brings many great qualities, but that's the single most important, when you have that mentality on and off the field of everybody being together.

Does that make it even more important to put some silverware on the table?

Definitely. The ethos is to try to win every competition. If you look back at the early rounds of the League Cup he was picking the likes of Gary Cahill and Oscar to play at Shrewsbury.

That ties in with Chelsea being odds-on favourites.

It won't be easy, though. It's a London derby so there's always added spice.

And there's Harry Kane

There is indeed. What an outstanding talent that boy is. I think it is very exciting the number of talented young English players coming through at the top clubs and Kane is one of the best. I look at Harry and what he has got in his game. He is enjoying himself, he has a wonderful touch, tremendous movement, he can head the ball, he is quick, he's confident, strong mentality. He looks like he's been in the game for ten years.

How big an impact will his performance when Spurs scored five on New Years Day have on this final?

It means he starts with respect. He's been a handful for top defenders. Whoever plays at the back for Chelsea will be acutely aware of what he can do. He'll carry a threat that must be nullified.

Whoever plays, you said. Who would you pick as John Terry's partner?

Great question - that's a hard call out of Cahill and Kurt Zouma. You always look at current form and Zouma is an outstanding talent with maturity beyond his years, but then again Cahill has the experience. I'm glad I don't have to make the choice - that's why Jose gets paid the big money!

Who has most to gain by winning this final?

Both about the same - we've talked about Chelsea but from Tottenham's point of view to win some silverware gives them so much momentum. Everybody is talking about the top two in the Premier League, but I've not seen such a close race for the other two Champions League spots. From third to eighth there have never been so many involved - Liverpool, Arsenal, Southampton, Manchester United and even West Ham. If Spurs won it would really kick them on. It sets it all up for a cracking final.

We hope you enjoy it, and there's a free £50 bet for a favourite charity to say thanks for your time.

Brilliant. I'll nominate the South London Special League which does great work helping children with special needs through sport. And I think it will be tight, so I'll back the draw/Chelsea in the half-time/full-time market at 5.04/1. I think that's a great price.