Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone believed Ademola Lookman can do more for the team despite his impressive start to life at the club.
Lookman registered a goal, and an assist on his debut for Atletico Madrid against Real Betis.
The Nigeria international has far scored three goals and registered two assists in five appearances across all competitions for the Red and Whites.
Simeone Demands More From Lookman
Simeone has however tasked the winger to work on the defensive side of his game.
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“He fits the team perfectly. We just need him to add more collective defensive work to his attacking quality and fully embrace the team spirit that’s always been essential for us,” Simeone told reporters ahead of his side’s clash with Espanyol.
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Simeone highlighted Lookman’s individual qualities.
“He has different qualities compared to our other forwards. He’s more of a specialist in one-on-ones than in combination play, even though he can do that as well, and he immediately made a very good impact on the team,” he added.
Atletico will host Espanyol in a league clash at the Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday (today).
By Adeboye Amosu
7 Comments
Hmmm…specialist in one on one play…I like that…
The coach is right tho defencisely lookman needs to watchout…but please dont stress him o…cos he could have gone to Gala or fenebatche and be earning 400k a week or even more.And with his qualities be scoring five goals in one match but dude chose class and legacy over money…so put some respect on our lionel messi’s name…(Nigerian lionel messi)…
Even the real lionel messi defencive workrate is very poor…And will continue to be that way till he retires…everybody is built differently…so please dont stress our star boy!!!!
As they say in local parlance, “kuku kill am na”….!
If only there were more viable options, you are the last coach I wish Lookman would play under.
Oga keep your yeye opinion to your self. The man knows his onions, so don’t tell him how to advice his players.
Seriously o, Dr. The balls are not getting to him. All attacks are via the coach’s son’s wing and Lookman is very far from the post. I don’t know Diego’s plan sha. Compared to the game against Real Betis, Lookman has been far less involved in the build up play especially as the attack is too one dimensional.
Yes aside Real Betis (debut) and Barcelona
Lookman’s team play hasn’t been as visible, but thank goodness he is at least contributing some goals and assists.
As regards defensive play, we have seen Ademola press ferociously, off the ball in both the Afcon finals tournaments of 2023/2024 and 2025/2026.
Sure he can do more, but I would say to Simone, great manager as he is
why did you really sign Lookman ?
Did you not see his creative performance at Afcon, where he got the playmaker of the tournament award.
If Simone wants Lookman to run around like a Demon throwing himself into tackles with defenders that won’t work especially now, where Lookman is 29 this year& I am sure injury mitigation is on his mind to prolong his career
Like others have commented..
They are still favouring the right side in their attacks.
They need to push the ball quicker to the left side and give him space and allow him to run at the defense.
Hopefully things will work out
But I think the beauty of this move for Lookman, despite Simone’s carrot and stick approach to things, is that it has given Lookman more worldwide visibility
If Simone eventually decides Lookman is not for him, as long as Lookman
continues to add G/A in whatever mins he gives him
He will have suitors even say at the age of 31.
Atlético paid 35m Euros + addons, so the loss will not be that much for then.
Also if Simone decides he wants to bench Lookman,
Im sure Mateu Alemany the sporting director at Atlético de Madrid, who pushed for Lookman to come will have something to say.
Did you see the glee on his face, when Lookman scored that debut goal vs Real Betis.
There is a reason why Ancelotti has evolved and continues to bring in silverware with new generations of players But Simone hasn’t attend silverware since 2021
You are right. Imagine Gulliano having 72 touches and Lookman had just 23. He has always had the lowest touches since the Betis game. I don’t know why all the attacks are one dimensional. Like all balls to the right. I don’t know if this is the coach’s tactics or the players gang up. Lookman is already frustrated. How would you expect him to press when the balls are simply not getting to him? What Lookman can do with the ball, Gulliano can never do it, so why one dimensional attack. It is obvious Diego wants his son to either make the Finallisima squad and the world cup squad. Rubbish. Lookman should plan to move o. Which kain yeye coach be this.
You guys should stop with all these conspiracy theories already. Its no coincidence that his involvement in the first game was his highest so far. I mean the other teams have eyes and coaches who are highly paid to see things and make adjustments too