David De Gea has leapt to the defence of Spain teammate Diego Costa.

The Chelsea striker was criticised last week for his behaviour during the 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw wth Italy in Turin.

Costa was taken off by Spain boss Julen Lopetegui in the second half of the match fearing his player would be sent off after he was booked for putting his hands in the face of Leonardo Bonucci before later kicking the ball away after an offside call.

Despite the criticism for another ill-disciplined effort, Manchester United keeper De Gea was fully behind his La Furia Roja colleague.

"It's just his way of playing, it's very aggressive," said De Gea.

"He always likes to run behind the defence and he is just playing the same game here as he does with his team.

"He contributes a lot to the team."

Costa bounced back from the questionable performance to score the opening goal in Sunday's 2-0 win over Albania.