Middlesbrough's Ben Gibson looking forward to taking on Diego Costa and Chelsea
Thursday 17 November 2016 19:32, UK
Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson says the challenge of facing players like Diego Costa is what makes the Premier League so appealing.
Gibson has been one of Boro's most consistent performers in their return to the top division, earning plaudits as well as being touted as a possible for an England call up.
Live Nissan Super Sunday
They return from the international break full of confidence, after superb away draws with Arsenal and Manchester City and an impressive home win over Bournemouth in their last three games.
Next up is another tough test, this time at home to Chelsea at the Riverside as part of Nissan Super Sunday.
"The results have given us a lot of confidence," Gibson said. "The Arsenal game in particular felt like a bit of a turning point.
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"We followed that up with a big win against Bournemouth. Then against City we always felt like we were in the game, and Marten (de Roon) bulleted in that header.
"In the Premier League, you relish these opportunities. These are the kind of teams you've grown up watching on the telly, scoring goals on Match of the Day.
"Diego Costa, for example, is the kind of opponent you look forward to as a great challenge.
"That's why we want to be in this league. We're happy if people write us off against teams like this. It gives us that extra motivation to prove people wrong.
"It might have taken us a little bit of time to adapt to the Premier League but now I think we've remembered our identity. We've been difficult to break down, we're frustrating teams, and we're gaining points.
"Hopefully we can maintain those standards."
