Ademola Lookman: Simeone sweet-talks Nigerian attacker after limited Madrid-derby minutes

Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman has received a show of faith from Diego Simeone despite his limited involvement in Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old started the Madrid derby on the bench as Simeone opted for Alex Baena and Giuliano Simeone as wing-backs, with the Super Eagles forward eventually introduced in the 67th minute.

The Nigerian replaced Baena with Atletico already leading 2-0 following goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David.

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Lookman was unable to add to the scoreline during his 23-plus minutes on the pitch, but Atletico held on to secure a valuable derby victory, with Antonio Rudiger’s late goal proving insufficient for Real Madrid.

His limited role might appear surprising given the importance Simeone placed on him before the game, but the Atletico coach’s latest comments suggest that Lookman remains firmly in his plans.

Simeone continues to back Ademola Lookman

Simeone had already made his feelings about Lookman’s importance clear before the derby.

Speaking ahead of the clash, the Argentine described the Nigerian as a player who gives Atletico something they do not have in abundance.

“He is a footballer who has a profile that we don’t have much. He is the most decisive in one-on-one situations on the edge of the box,” Simeone said.

The Atletico boss also insisted that Lookman would be needed regardless of how long he played against Real Madrid.

“We need him, whether it’s 60, 70 minutes or whatever he plays. He has done us very well since he arrived and although his start to the season is not what he would have wanted, we need him.”

Those comments were notable because Lookman has endured a difficult start to his first full season in Madrid.

The 28-year-old has been moved around the attack, featuring as a centre-forward, left winger and supporting striker as Simeone searches for the right balance following Antoine Griezmann’s departure.

Lookman has scored once in seven appearances this season, although he previously explained that adapting to different positions is helping him become a more complete player.

Simeone wants more from Lookman

The derby victory did not completely hide the fact that Simeone wanted more from his substitutes, including Lookman.

Reflecting on Atletico’s performance after the match, the coach praised the collective effort but specifically noted that he needed the Nigerian to make a greater impact after coming on.

“We needed the talent of Koke, a little more freshness from Julián, and that Lookman entered better than he did,” Simeone said after the 2-1 victory, as revealed by Fichajes.

Simeone’s assessment does not appear to question Lookman’s importance to Atletico. Instead, it points to the level of impact the coach expects from a player he had just described as one of the team’s most decisive one-on-one attackers.

Lookman now finds himself in an interesting position. He has the manager’s backing, but that support comes with expectations.

Simeone knows the Nigerian can change matches through his ability to beat defenders and create opportunities, and he wants to see those qualities more often whenever the Nigerian is on the pitch.

Lookman still has plenty to prove this season

The derby was another reminder that Lookman’s role at Atletico has changed since his impressive arrival from Atalanta.

He scored nine goals and provided three assists in 24 appearances during the second half of last season, quickly establishing himself as one of Simeone’s important attacking options.

This season, however, he has had to adapt to different positions while competing for minutes in a reshaped attack.

His record against Real Madrid also means there is reason to expect more from him in future meetings. Lookman scored in Atletico’s 3-2 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu in March, while his performances in other major games last season showed his ability to turn up in the big games.

For now, Simeone’s message is that Lookman remains an important player for Atletico, but must now make his opportunities count.

The manager’s pre-match praise underlined his importance. His post-match comment revealed the demands.