Man United playmaker Juan Mata gives his backing to Chelsea striker Diego Costa

Spain midfielder Juan Mata has defended Diego Costa after he was left out of the squad for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Luxembourg and Ukraine.

Head coach Vicente Del Bosque insisted that he omitted the Chelsea striker because he would be suspended for the Luxembourg clash.

Costa, who has scored one goal in nine appearances for Spain, has struggled to reproduce his club form, but Manchester United star Mata has sympathized with his international team-mate.

 

"Being the striker in a team like ours, with so many midfielders, is not easy," Mata told Spanish radio station Onda Cero.

"You have have to adapt and above all be patient, because there is a lot of time without touching the ball. But when you do get it you have to finish well. 

"It is a very complicated role and players like [David] Villa or [Fernando] Torres did it very well, but it is difficult to come in and adapt.

"It is very difficult to face him. I would rather have him as a team-mate than a rival. His movement and goals will always create problems. Also because he fights with the centre-backs and causes friction that somehow knocks the opponents' concentration."

With Diego Costa suspended, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is likely to deploy Alvaro Morata in the striking role for the holders' Euro 2016 qualifier against Group C minnows Luxembourg on Friday.