Chelsea keeper Asmir Begovic: 'Costa sets tone for team'

Chelsea keeper Asmir Begovic has revealed that Diego Costa's competitive nature is just as evident in training as in matches.

The Bosnia international, deputising in the Blues goal for the injured Thibaut Courtois, feels that the Spain striker sets the tone for the rest of the team during training sessions.

"We absolutely love Diego and we love the fact that he's in our team. He's one of those guys who's very intense, but he needs that in his game," the 28-year-old told talkSPORT.

"He's the same in training - every drill is a competition for him. That's what makes him one of the world's best. If you took that away from him, he wouldn't be the same. So we encourage him to set the tone for the rest of the team."

Costa sits outs Chelsea's late Saturday kickoff against Newcastle as the second game of his three-match ban.