Paco Alcacer insists Diego Costa “hasn't been lucky yet” for Spain after playing down talk of displacing the Chelsea striker.
The 22-year-old has scored just one goal for Valencia this season yet brought his tally for La Roja up to five in seven caps last Friday against Luxembourg, but he quickly distanced himself from comparisons with the former Atletico Madrid star as his focus was firmly fixated on becoming a regular for club and country.
“Diego Costa hasn't been lucky yet, but we all know how good he is. He brings a lot to the national team,” he told Onda Cero.
“Playing in the European Championship would be a dream. Not starting for Valencia but still being in the national team motivates me even more.
“I'm at a club where there's a lot of patience. I don't know if I'll carry on playing [cameos], but I know I can turn [my lack of goals for Valencia] around with hard work.
“Valencia's start to the season hasn't been good, but we all want to change the situation and we're confident that we'll succeed in doing so.
“We're very happy with qualification, but against Ukraine we won't give any less. Spain always have to give a good account of themselves.
“Playing with the world's best team makes things easier. My goals aren't scored alone, they're thanks to my teammates, who are very good.
“[On Alvaro Morata's injury], it was a tricky match against Luxembourg. Seeing a teammate go down with an injury is never a reason to be joyful.”
