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Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has hailed the work ethic and determination to succeed shown by teammate Diego Costa since his arrival at the club in the summer. Costa, 26, has been criticised in some quarters for what has been perceived to be an over-aggressive approach after picking up seven bookings this season -- a situation Jose Mourinho finds "unbelievable." However, Ivanovic believes the Spain international's feisty approach to the game is one of his strong points, and says the former Atletico Madrid striker -- who has scored 11 goals in 10 Premier League games -- has been a joy to play alongside. "He knows how to control himself very well," Ivanovic told the club's official website. "He never sleeps in the game, he's not quiet, he wants to be a star, and he wants to be the player around which everything happens in the game. "It's good for the team when he's working and you can see he is always trying to win duels and look positive on the pitch. He is set up like this for the team, it's his style. "He's a very nice and funny guy. He likes to make jokes and I think when he improves his English he'll have even more influence in the squad." Ivanovic went on to suggest Chelsea needed to be at their best to see off struggling Hull 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last Saturday, after claiming the challenge put up by Steve Bruce's men highlighted the strength in depth of the top flight. "It was very difficult and we expected that," added Ivanovic. "It was a real example of how difficult every game in the Premier League is. "They have a lot of strong and powerful guys. They played with a three [at the back], a different shape to usual, and we had to adapt to that. It was a really physical game with a lot of duels. "For this kind of game you need a lot of movement to win the game. It's a very important three points after the defeat at Newcastle."
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