Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has challenged Ademola Lookman to make a greater impact after the Nigeria international featured in his side’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in Sunday’s Madrid derby.
Lookman was introduced in the 67th minute with Atletico already holding a 2-0 advantage, replacing Alex Baena as Simeone looked to maintain his side’s control of the contest.
The Super Eagles forward, however, was unable to make a decisive contribution before Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger reduced the deficit late in the game.
Although Simeone acknowledged Lookman’s importance to his plans, the Argentine admitted that he expected more from some of his substitutes, specifically pointing to the Nigerian’s introduction.
“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.
Simeone had previously highlighted Lookman’s qualities before the derby, describing the forward as a player who gives Atletico an attacking dimension 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,” the Atletico coach said ahead of the match.
Despite demanding greater impact, Simeone stressed that Lookman remains an important member of his squad and will continue to feature regardless of the amount of playing time he receives.
“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 as Simeone continues to adapt his attacking options following Antoine Griezmann’s departure.
The 28-year-old joined Atletico from Atalanta midway through last season and quickly became an important attacking outlet, contributing nine goals and three assists in 24 appearances.
He also found the net against Real Madrid during Atletico’s 3-2 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu in March, but was unable to repeat that decisive influence in Sunday’s derby.
Atletico nevertheless held on for all three points, securing bragging rights over their city rivals and extending their positive result from the highly anticipated encounter.
With the season continuing to gather pace, Lookman will now be looking to turn Simeone’s challenge into improved performances as he competes for a more prominent role in the Atletico attack.
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