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Diego Simeone responds to Diego Costa criticism

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone denies suggestions that Diego Costa is not a team player.

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has played down criticism of leading scorer Diego Costa.

Despite scoring 19 goals in La Liga this season and 23 times in all competitions, Costa has drawn criticism in recent weeks for a perceived selfishness in the final third.

"I don't think it's a question of Diego Costa. He has his playing characteristics and he involves a lot of people," he told reporters at a press conference.

"In the game against Málaga, he drew three of their players away with him, so that [David] Villa and Koke could make their moves. Diego Costa is a very scary player for opponents."

Costa has already netted three more goals than he managed in the entirety of last season.

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Matt Law
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Atletico boss Diego Simeone on the touchline against Rayo on August 25, 2013
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3Real Madrid17114237162137
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5Villarreal177642928127
6Mallorca188371821-327
7Real Sociedad177461611525
8GironaGirona187472625125
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11Sevilla176471823-522
12Rayo Vallecano175661920-121
13Celta Vigo176382528-321
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15Leganes174671523-818
16Getafe173771114-316
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18Espanyol1743101629-1315
19Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512
20Valencia162591424-1011


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