Ademola Lookman: Simeone sends clear message to Super Eagles forward before Real Madrid derby

Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman has had some demands placed on him by Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone ahead of the Madrid derby tomorrow, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman joined Atletico from Atalanta during the winter transfer window and made an immediate impact, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in 24 appearances across all competitions during the second half of last season.

His performances were enough to establish him as an important part of Simeone's plans heading into his first full campaign in Madrid, but the Nigerian has faced a different challenge this season.

The 28-year-old has been used in several attacking positions following the departure of Antoine Griezmann and the uncertainty surrounding Julian Alvarez. Lookman started Atletico's opening two league games as a centre-forward before returning to his preferred left-wing position against Sevilla.

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That change immediately produced results, with Lookman scoring his first goal of the season in Atletico's 3-1 victory over Sevilla on August 29.

However, his overall numbers have remained modest. Lookman has featured in seven games for Atletico this season, scoring once, while he has also gone four consecutive matches without finding the net.

Simeone sends clear message to Ademola Lookman

Despite Lookman's slow start, Simeone has made it clear that he remains an important part of his plans ahead of Sunday's Madrid derby against Real Madrid.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, the Atletico boss highlighted a particular quality that he believes the ex-Atalanta man brings to his squad.

“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 Argentine said in quotes revealed by Marca.

Simeone also stressed that Atletico need the Nigerian regardless of how many minutes he plays against Real Madrid.

“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.”

The comments represent a significant show of confidence in Lookman from the Atletico manager.

Simeone has already admitted that playing the Nigerian as a centre-forward at the beginning of the campaign was not ideal. Lookman failed to score or assist in Atletico's opening two league matches before returning to the left flank against Sevilla and immediately finding the net.

Lookman himself has accepted the tactical changes, explaining that playing in different positions can make him a more complete footballer.

“I think it's a learning process. As you said, trying to learn different positions can certainly enrich my game and make me a more complete player.”

The Nigerian has also emphasised his willingness to understand what Simeone expects from him both with and without the ball.

Lookman has a history of delivering in big games

The Madrid derby could provide the perfect opportunity for Lookman to rediscover his attacking spark.

The Super Eagles forward already knows what it feels like to score against Real Madrid, having found the net in his first appearance against Los Blancos after joining Atletico.

His record since arriving in Spain also shows that he can produce when the stakes are high. Last season, Lookman scored against both Real Madrid and Barcelona, while his first Atletico appearance produced a goal and an assist in the Copa del Rey victory over Real Betis.

That is why Simeone's message ahead of the derby is less about putting pressure on Lookman and more about reminding him of his importance.

Atletico have recently recovered from their difficult spell with consecutive victories over Real Sociedad and Osasuna, scoring seven goals without conceding. Lookman, however, was unable to add to his tally during those victories and will enter Sunday's derby looking to end his four-game scoring drought.

With Atletico facing Real Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Simeone knows he needs the Nigerian's individual brilliance to unlock a difficult opponent, and for Lookman, the derby presents another opportunity to remind Atletico supporters why the club invested heavily in him.