Football
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Diego Costa stock rising for Spain in Euro 2016 - Vicente Del Bosque

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has said Chelsea striker Diego Costa's chances of going to Euro 2016 have increased because he is playing so well for his club.

Del Bosque said the No. 9 role in his team was still undecided, but added that he was seeing the Brazil-born star in a different light.

Costa, 27, has scored just once in 10 Spain appearances -- against Luxembourg -- with his bustling style not always seeming suited to La Roja's passing style.

"I think that sometimes he doesn't sit well with people. He makes people dislike him. I don't want to think much about why," Del Bosque told Marca.

"The reality is that he is a player who gives everything. He gives his all, he makes the effort, he leaves it all on the field. He is a fighter.

"One of the toughest decisions to make is that of the forward. "[Juventus forward Alvaro] Morata has been almost without playing time. [Valencia striker Paco] Alcacer the same. We thought that they were our future. Not that we have changed our minds, but they now have competition in [Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz] Aduriz and Diego."

Aduriz, 35, has been one of La Liga's star performers this season, scoring 17 goals in 26 games to spark calls for his inclusion in Spain's squad.

Del Bosque said Aduriz was an "exceptional case," but stopped short of guaranteeing that he would be involved.

"He has had a great season, but no one has asked to include him on the team," he said.

"He is the prototype of what a centre-forward should be. When everyone says he should play we aren't going to just rule it out categorically. We will have a look. If we include him, it will be because of what he has done with his club.

"We don't make our decisions based on popularity, but when everyone is clamouring for Aduriz, Aduriz, Aduriz, we must take him into consideration."

Del Bosque also hinted that veteran Iker Casillas was likely to be backup to Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea.

"We will have to choose because we are tied to no one," he said. "Sometimes I am misunderstood because I speak with respect about a player of Iker's level.

"At the same time we must be demanding. It is not wrong to have respect for someone who has played 165 games for Spain. It makes us powerful to have such players.

"There is no doubt in my mind [that Iker will be a good backup goalkeeper."

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