Diego Costa Is Among The Best Three Forwards In The World – Filipe Luis

Atletico Madrid full-back Filipe Luis says that Diego Costa is returning to a squad full of competition for places.

“Last year there was also rotation,” he said. “There was almost never a fixed first XI. It depends on the opponent and their characteristics. The important thing is everyone knows they have a chance to play, nobody is a certain starter. It is the team which wins.

“It is not easy, but everyone understands this. It is impossible to compare [our squad] with [Real] Madrid and Barcelona, we do not have the same characteristics. But we do have a competitive and diverse squad.”

“The team is in a very good moment, physically and mentally,” Filipe Luis said. “There is enormous confidence, we know each other well, we have been together a long time and we enjoy playing football, which is the most difficult. We must keep going on this path, difficulties will come, but we must not lose our focus.”

“I spoke with Diego Costa during the summer,” Filipe Luis said. “Few people have made the effort he did to come to Atletico and be happy here. The club made an immense effort, and it is an important step as he is among the best three forwards in the world.

“He was winning trophies where he was, he is ambitious and that is contagious for the whole team. He gives us strength, even if he will not be able to play for a while.”