Chelsea’s Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa celebrates scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Watford and Chelsea at Vicarage Road Stadium in Watford, north of London on August 20, 2016.
Ian Kington / AFP
Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte has heaped praise on Diego Costa.
He said the striker was an example to all after he learned to control his aggression on the pitch, and translated his combative nature into tireless performances for the London club.
The Brazil-born Spain striker Costa has done much to please Conte this season and tops the Premier League scoring charts with nine goals from 11 games.
It was only a month ago, however, that he clashed publicly with the Italian during last month’s win over Leicester City, but relations between Costa and his coach have clearly improved.
“He’s an example for all,” Conte told British media.
“If he continues to score, I’ll be very happy. But I’ll be happier to see this commitment, this work rate during training and in games.
“It’s fantastic, I think, that Diego is improving a lot in a lot of aspects. For me, now, Diego is one of the best strikers in the world.
“He must continue that, working in this way, with his commitment and work rate.”
Chelsea, who next play Middlesborough on Sunday, have risen to second in the league on the back of a five-match winning streak in which they have scored 16 goals and conceding none.
