Diego Simeone responds to Diego Costa criticism

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.