Ademola Lookman: Simeone breaks silence on why Nigerian struggled in Madrid

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has explained Ademola Lookman's difficult start to life at the club this season, admitting the Nigerian forward is currently being used out of position, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old has started Atlético's opening two La Liga matches of the 2026/27 campaign, but the Super Eagles star is yet to find the back of the net or assist a goal after being deployed as a centre-forward.

The Nigerian played in the same position during Sunday's 2-2 draw against Villarreal, following his appearance up front in the opening-day victory over Málaga.

While Lookman has worked hard for the team, his early struggles have raised questions about whether Atlético are getting the best out of one of their most dangerous attacking players.

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Simeone admits Lookman is being played out of position

Simeone has now acknowledged that the role is not ideal for Lookman, explaining that injuries to Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez's transfer situation have forced Atlético to improvise in attack.

The Argentine revealed that he even apologised to the Nigerian after the Villarreal draw.

“I apologized to Ademola Lookman, first, in the locker room, telling him: ‘I know it's not your place, you were supposed to help us because right now Alexander Sørloth is injured, Julián Álvarez is recovering very well, and he's the one helping us,” the 56-year-old said in quotes revealed by Futbol Fantasy.

The admission is key because Lookman's strengths are not those of a conventional number nine.

The former Atalanta forward has built his reputation around his ability to receive the ball in half spaces, take on defenders, carry possession into dangerous positions and cut in from the left flank rather than constantly playing with his back to goal, and Simeone understands that distinction.

“I understand, and I know him, that he's a good guy. He's putting in a tremendous effort, especially in the team's work,” the Atlético boss added.

Simeone promises to restore Ademola Lookman

The good news for Lookman is that the situation is only temporary, pending the return of Sorlorth, and the resolution of Julian Alvarez's desire to leave the Metropolitano.

“He's missing what he enjoys, which is dribbling, scoring goals, and taking on defenders one-on-one,” Simeone said about Lookman playing as a number nine.

“And we're going to give him that back, obviously, when we have the forwards available to share those spaces on the field that make us better as a team,” the 2014 La Liga winner concluded.

For Lookman, it means he can get into his stride and have a more productive spell once Sørloth returns and Álvarez's future is sorted. For now, the challenge is patience.