Ademola Lookman was deployed as an emergency striker in Atletico Madrid’s La Liga opener, and Diego Simeone’s post-match comments didn’t clear up where the Super Eagles forward actually fits.
Ademola Lookman’s first competitive outing for Atletico Madrid didn’t go quite how most Super Eagles fans would have pictured it. Diego Simeone started his 17th season in charge with a 2-0 win over Malaga, but it was where he played Lookman — not how the team won — that’s got people talking.
Atletico’s opener was comfortable enough on paper. New signing Kang-in Lee broke the deadlock early in the second half, and World Cup winner Alex Baena added a second from a free kick to seal it, according to Legit.ng. But Simeone’s team selection raised eyebrows: he handed Lookman the number 9 role, a central striking position the Nigerian has rarely occupied at club level.
By most accounts, Lookman visibly struggled with the responsibility. Atletico’s two-goal cushion meant it didn’t cost them on the scoreboard, but it left plenty of questions about what Simeone actually has in mind for a player who made his name as a wide forward, not a focal-point striker.
Simeone didn’t directly address Lookman’s struggles in his post-match press conference. Instead, his broader comments pointed to a squad short on recognised centre-forwards rather than a deliberate tactical shift for the Nigerian. With Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth’s futures both unresolved as the transfer window edges toward its close, Atletico’s front line is short on certainty.
“We’re always open to options. After 15 years, I’ll say I’m open until the transfer window closes, but that doesn’t mean I’m talking about any one specific player,” Simeone said, via Into the Calderon. “The club is working to give us the best tools, and let’s hope we can put together the best squad possible.”
That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement of Lookman as an emergency number 9 — and it suggests the improvisation could continue if Atletico don’t land a recognised striker before the window shuts.
Lookman arrived at Atletico in a big-money move from Atalanta, and his early-season form had been encouraging heading into the campaign. Being shoehorned into an unfamiliar role this early isn’t ideal, but it’s also not unusual for a new signing to be asked to cover gaps while a squad’s business is still unfinished.
For Super Eagles fans, the bigger question is whether extended stints out of position affect his rhythm heading into Nigeria’s next international window. A player of Lookman’s quality finding his best position at club level tends to translate into better performances on international duty too — something Nigeria’s technical crew will be watching closely given the squad’s ongoing rebuild.
We’ll know more once Atletico’s transfer business settles down. Until then, expect Simeone to keep experimenting rather than commit to a settled system.
For more on how Nigeria’s stars are faring in Europe this season, see our coverage of Wilfred Ndidi’s move to Besiktas and the latest on Victor Osimhen’s transfer situation.
What position does Ademola Lookman normally play?
Lookman is primarily a wide forward or second striker, known for pace and direct running rather than as a traditional central number 9.
Why did Simeone play Lookman as a striker?
Atletico Madrid’s front-line options are unsettled, with Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth’s futures both uncertain going into the closing days of the transfer window, leaving Simeone short on recognised centre-forwards.
How did Atletico Madrid get on in their La Liga opener?
Atletico beat Malaga 2-0 at home, with goals from Kang-in Lee and Alex Baena.
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