David Luiz believes his Chelsea team-mate Diego Costa should be regarded as one of the best strikers in the world following his impressive start to the season.
Costa is the top scorer in the Premier League after hitting seven goals in eight matches this term.
The Spain international has come under scrutiny in this country for his behaviour on the pitch since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2014.
But Luiz, who rejoined Chelsea from Paris St Germain in August, said: “Diego is now one of the best strikers in the world.
“I love the way he plays, and I am happy now because he plays in my team and it’s difficult to play against him! He never makes life easy for the defenders.”
Costa learned his trade on the streets in Brazil and went on loan to a number of clubs before finally starting to make a major impact at Atletico Madrid in the 2013-14 campaign.
Luiz added: “I like Diego because he never forgets where he came from. That’s why he fights until the end for his team. He never gives up.
“He never forgets when he was playing with small teams in difficult leagues and difficult stadiums. I like these people, they want to give everything.”
Many fans were confused during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Leicester when Costa appeared to asking to be substituted in the second half, but it emerged today that the striker was showing his frustration at what he thought was too much instruction from manager Antonio Conte.
