Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has emphasized the importance of Ademola Lookman to his team following their 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Madrid derby. Lookman made a second-half appearance in the match, replacing Alex Baena in the 67th minute. At the time of his introduction, Atletico was leading 2-0, courtesy of goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David. Despite his efforts, Lookman was unable to make a decisive contribution before Antonio Rudiger pulled one back for Real Madrid late in the game.
Simeone acknowledged Lookman's importance to the team but challenged the forward to make a greater impact following his introduction. The Argentine manager expressed his desire for more from some of his substitutes, specifically mentioning Lookman among those expected to make a greater impact. Simeone's assessment came after he had spoken highly of Lookman's qualities ahead of the derby, insisting that the Nigerian offered Atletico a dimension they lacked.
Ahead of the derby, Simeone had highlighted Lookman's unique qualities, describing him as a footballer who has a profile that Atletico doesn't have much of. Simeone emphasized that Lookman is the most decisive in one-on-one situations on the edge of the box. This praise underscored the significance of Lookman to Atletico's attacking strategy, particularly in the absence of Antoine Griezmann.
Despite his limited involvement in Sunday's derby, Lookman will remain important to Simeone's plans regardless of how much playing time he receives. Simeone stressed that the team needs Lookman, whether it's 60, 70 minutes or whatever he plays. He added that Lookman has done Atletico very well since he arrived, and although his start to the season is not what he would have wanted, the team needs him.
Lookman has scored once in seven appearances this season and has been used in different attacking positions as Simeone continues to adjust his team following Griezmann's departure. The 28-year-old joined Atletico from Atalanta midway through last season and quickly established himself as an important attacking option, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 24 appearances.
Lookman's performance against Real Madrid was a microcosm of his season so far. While he was unable to replicate his previous goal against Real Madrid in Atletico's 3-2 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu in March, he will now be expected to build on his opportunities as Atletico continue their campaign. Simeone made it clear that greater impact will be required from Lookman when he takes to the pitch.
Atletico held on for the victory, with Rudiger's late strike proving insufficient as Simeone's side secured bragging rights over their city rivals. The win marked a significant result for Atletico, and Simeone will be hoping that Lookman can continue to make a difference for his team as the season progresses.
Key points
- Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has called on Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman to make a greater impact.
- Lookman has scored once in seven appearances this season and has been used in different attacking positions.
- Simeone emphasized that Lookman will remain important to his plans regardless of how much playing time he receives.
