Atletico need Lookman – Simeone

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has admitted that his side need Ademola Lookman to deliver more after the Nigerian made a second-half appearance in their 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in Sunday’s Madrid derby, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Simeone acknowledged Lookman’s importance to the team but challenged the forward to make a greater impact following his introduction after the break.

Lookman was introduced in the 67th minute with Atletico leading 2-0 after goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David. The Super Eagles forward replaced Alex Baena but was unable to make a decisive contribution before Antonio Rudiger pulled one back for Real Madrid late in the game.

Speaking after the victory, Simeone admitted that he wanted more from some of his substitutes, specifically mentioning Lookman among those expected to make a greater impact.

“We needed the talent of Koke, a little more freshness from Julián, and that Lookman entered better than he did,” Simeone said, according to Fichajes.

The Argentine’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.

“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 before the game.

The Atletico boss also stressed that Lookman would remain important to his plans regardless of how much playing time he received.

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“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,” he added.

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 Antoine 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.

He also scored against Real Madrid in Atletico’s 3-2 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu in March, but was unable to replicate that impact in Sunday’s derby.

Despite his limited involvement, Atletico held on for the victory, with Rudiger’s late strike proving insufficient as Simeone’s side secured bragging rights over their city rivals.

Lookman will now be expected to build on his opportunities as Atletico continue their campaign, with Simeone making it clear that greater impact will be required from the Nigerian when he takes to the pitch.