Pedro Rodriguez says he is happy that his former Barcelona teammate Cesc Fabregas is getting the recognition he deserves since joining Chelsea, while also tipping Blues striker Diego Costa to get his first goal for Spain soon.
Fabregas left Barca for Stamford Bridge in a 32 million-euro deal in the summer -- a transfer welcomed by some fans and pundits who had never really accepted the former Arsenal player back at the Camp Nou.
He has since started the new season in spectacular form, with seven assists in his first seven games, while Jose Mourinho's side have already built a five-point lead in the Premier League table.
Pedro told a news conference at the Spain camp that Fabregas is one of the world's best midfielders and deserving of the highest recognition.
"What Cesc is doing at Chelsea does not surprise me because he is a great player, among the best midfielders in the world -- a player with very quick vision, who connects with his forwards with great passes," the Barca attacker said. "In the Premier League he is valued for what he is. At Barcelona he received too much harsh criticism. I am very happy for him, that he is enjoying his football there."
Pedro said that Fabregas' Chelsea teammate Diego Costa, who has joined up with the Spain squad despite a niggling hamstring problem, is keen to get a first international goal and prove himself at this level, having so far won five La Roja caps.
"[Costa] is very motivated to help his teammates here," he said. "He knows things have not gone as well as he wanted for him, but he will bring things and will be here many years. He will help us a lot here. I repeat he wants to prove himself and score goals. If he keeps up this work he will score many goals here."
Spain are acting far from complacent ahead of their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers in Slovakia on Thursday and Luxembourg on Sunday, Pedro said.
"They are both tough rivals, we want to do things well but it will be difficult because both matches are away," he said. "Slovakia will be a very difficult game, they beat Ukraine who have a very good team. We will try and play two good games, prepare well and get two important victories towards qualification."
Pedro has just one goal in seven appearances for his club this season, but did score in Spain's 5-1 win over Macedonia last month, while he was top scorer for his nation during their World Cup 2014 qualification phase.
The 27-year-old, who has won 44 caps, said that he has always felt comfortable at international level.
"I am happy to be here, it is always a joy to come with the national team," he said. "Last year I did well in the qualification games, helping the team with goals, that is what I am here for. I have always felt comfortable here, very confident and that is what I have always tried to transmit on the pitch."