Thiago expecting tough Albania test

Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara is wary of a shock in Albania on Sunday, though he insists his side will stick to their way of playing.

The Bayern Munich man was a late substitute as Spain were held to a draw by Italy in World Cup qualifying on Thursday, and they are now gearing up for a trip to Shkoder.

While the visitors are understandably favourites, Albania only narrowly missed out on the knockout stages of Euro 2016 – and Thiago expects a tough test.

“The level of football is so high that anyone may surprise you,” he told a news conference. “Albania is one of the examples of this progression.

“[But] we are loyal to our way of playing. We have studied Albania and we are ready to confront them.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper David De Gea has backed Diego Costa to shine again, having netted twice in their group opener against Liechtenstein.

“I think that Diego plays with the national team as he does with his club [Chelsea],” he said. “He can bring us a lot.”