Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has called on Ademola Lookman to increase his work rate, despite the forward’s impressive goal-scoring form since joining the club, Soccernet.ng reports.
Lookman has been a revelation at the Estadio Metropolitano since his €35 million switch from Atalanta in January.
On Saturday, the Super Eagles star notched his sixth goal involvement for the club, scoring in a clinical 4-2 victory over Espanyol.
It was a strike that highlighted his killer instinct in the box and ensured he equaled Luis Suárez’s 2010 record for the best statistical start to an Atleti career.
However, the Argentine tactician isn’t fully satisfied. While Simeone praised Lookman’s goal-scoring output after the match, he emphasized that he expects more from the 28-year-old in terms of off-the-ball contribution.
What Diego Simeone Demands from Ademola Lookman
Simeone is widely regarded as one of the most demanding coaches in world football. He requires his teams to attack and defend as a disciplined unit, often prioritizing tactical defensive positioning over individual flair.
While acknowledging Lookman’s impact on the scoreboard, Simeone made it clear that the Nigerian must integrate more fully into Atletico’s defensive setup to help the team reach its potential.
”Lookman brings us goals—honestly, more goals than overall play right now,” Simeone said after defeating Espanyol.
“He can still improve his build-up play and his defensive work. We need him to adapt to the team’s philosophy in those aspects.
“His attitude suggests he wants to improve as a footballer. He has that natural instinct; those goals are no coincidence. But we also need more from him in the collective game.”
Lookman is unlikely to struggle with these demands. Throughout his career, he has been a player who leaves it all on the pitch and thrives in high-press systems.
The Super Eagles star still has time to adapt to El Cholo’s rigorous methods, especially as he only just joined the club. But hopefully, Lookman will be able to balance his defensive efforts an attacking output.
