Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone has described Ademola Lookman as a “very important player” after the Nigerian forward ended his six-game goal drought in Tuesday’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Manchester United.
Lookman came off the bench to score in the 79th minute at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, reacting quickest to slot home the rebound after United goalkeeper Senne Lammens parried Jonathan David’s effort.
The goal was a significant moment for the 28-year-old, who had scored only once in all competitions this season before the encounter. According to Transfermarkt, the strike also took his senior club career tally to 100 goals.
Speaking after the match, Simeone praised Lookman’s attacking qualities, highlighting his goalscoring ability, statistics and effectiveness in one-on-one situations.
“He is a very important player; he has very good stats, he scores goals, he is good in one-on-one situations,” the Argentine coach said.
However, Simeone believes the forward still has room to improve and demonstrate his full potential more consistently.
“He is not at that point where that comes through, but he has rediscovered his scoring touch. He had the instinct to follow up the play and the rebound worked in his favour. We got the win we needed,” he added.
Atlético made a flying start, with Pablo Barrios opening the scoring inside the first minute. Manchester United’s task became more difficult in the 74th minute when Leny Yoro was sent off for a foul on David as the last defender.
Lookman’s late goal sealed the victory and extended Atlético’s winning run to five matches, while United’s winless streak stretched to five games.
The Nigerian international will hope the breakthrough marks the beginning of a more productive spell as Atlético continue their European campaign.
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