Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata says Juventus veteran Angel di Maria deserves better press.

The pair played together for Real Madrid.

"I have previously played with Di María, he is a champion and has recently won the World Cup with Argentina," Morata told Tuttosport.

"He is the most underrated player in the last decade."

Morata also defended Juve striker Dusan Vlahovic, 23, who has received criticism this season.

"I played with him last season and I respect him. He is young but has a strong character. He wants to do well at Juventus and I think he has been unfairly criticised. He has struggled with injuries this season, but his qualities are undeniable."

Quizzed about interest from AC Milan, Morata added: "I have not heard anything about this. I have a contract until June 2024 and my agent has not informed me so far.

"Then you know how football works, if there is a favorable situation something can be unlocked, but at the moment I don't know anything about it."