Diego Simeone praises Diego Costa

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has praised Diego Costa for the Brazilian's impressive start to the season.

The 24-year-old striker, who signed a new long-term deal with the Spanish capital outfit in the summer, has scored seven league goals thus far this season - the same number as Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

"He's a young player growing since he has returned. He has earned everything he has and to me has a lot more to improve," Simeone told reporters at a press conference.

"Hopefully he wants it that way because he's ambitious, intelligent and I hope he continues growing."

Atletico travel to Real Madrid for the Madrid derby this weekend.