Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has asserted that Ademola Lookman quick impact at Atletico Madrid is due to coach Diego Simeone's intricate way of setting up his team, Soccernet.ng reports.
Lookman joined Spanish giants Atletico Madrid from Atalanta in a €35 million move in the summer, and he has taken to the club like water to fish.
After some impressive performances on the domestic scene for Los Colchoneros, Lookman went continental on Wednesday.
He scored his first Champions League goal for Atleti on Wednesday night, guiding Antoine Griezmann’s flicked header into an empty net just before halftime in a 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the knockout playoff first leg at Jan Breydel Stadium.
That effort took the 28-year-old's goal contributions for Atletico Madrid to three goals and two assists in five matches so far.
Lookman has gotten a lot of plaudits for his performances and quick adaptation to life at Atleti. And former Watford man Deeney is also one of those who has been quite impressed.
Deeney Credits Simeone's Methodical Setup For Ademola Lookman's Early Joy
Over the years, Atletico Madrid have been known to be a well-drilled team under the tutelage of coach Diego Simeone.
Troy Deeney believes that this, and the trust they have put in Lookman has helped the Nigerian settle in nicely at the club.
“Lookman’s loan spell at Fulham in 2020 as an example of what happens when a player is not given the right environment,” Deeney said on CBS Sports Golazo.
“At one point in England, though, he never got the trust when he was at Fulham. They never gave him that feeling of, ‘This is your position, do not worry if you make a mistake, we will give you the ball again.’
“I remember him. He tried to do a Panenka. He missed it, and he was gone. That was him out the door.”
“He is the kind of guy that, yes, he has spark, but he needs structure. He needs to know who, what, where, and why.
“You get that at Atletico Madrid. There is no grey area. And I think it is a perfect fit for both him and the team,” Deeney concluded.
Lookman is fast proving to be a reliable lieutenant for Simeone. He seems to have knocked down a regular starting shirt at the club.
The Super Eagles star will be hoping to end the campaign with some piece of silverware at least.
