Super Eagles: Simeone tells Lookman how to overcome Atletico struggles 

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has explained what Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman needs to do to rediscover his best form at the Spanish club.

The Nigerian forward has endured a difficult start to the new season and has struggled to reproduce the form he showed during his first few months at the Spanish heavyweights.

Lookman joined Los Rojiblancos from Atalanta during the winter transfer window in a deal worth around €35 million and he enjoyed an impressive second half of the season with Simeone’s side.

The 28-year-old scored on his debut in a 5-0 victory over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey and eventually finished as Atletico's player with the second-highest goal contribution behind Julian Alvarez, from the time he joined the club.

However, the Super Eagles star has found it difficult to maintain that level this season, scoring only a single goal in nine appearances across all competitions this season.

Simeone weighs in on Lookman's struggles at Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid will face Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday, and Simeone addressed Lookman's recent struggles ahead of the encounter.

The Argentine manager acknowledged that the Super Eagles forward has not been performing at the level expected of him, but stressed that he has already shown what he can do in an Atletico shirt.

“Every player goes through their own phases. Obviously, I don't think there's a player who can maintain a level of ten all the time”, the Argentine said, in quotes reported by Into The Calderon.

“There's always a dip, and it's clear that Ademola Lookman is going through a phase where he's not performing as he'd like to and as we'd like to see him, because he's shown us what he's capable of, but he works every day to become that player, the dribbler.”

How Super Eagles star can rediscover best form

Lookman’s struggles continued during last weekend’s 2-1 win over Alaves, after he was substituted at halftime in the encounter.

While he continues to adjust to the demands of his new role at the club, Simeone believes the Super Eagles forward must not dwell on his difficulties and must continue to work harder.

“He needs to keep dribbling, he needs to lose the ball, he needs to keep pushing forward, because he'll do well, because he's got what it takes and because he's a goalscorer”, Simeone added.

Atletico Madrid will be looking to bounce back in the Champions League after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in their opening match of the competition.

The Spanish side will be eager to collect their first points against Manchester United, although Simeone knows his team will face a difficult challenge.

Atletico previously lost to United in pre-season, and the Argentine manager will be keen to avoid another defeat while ensuring his players are prepared for the demands of the encounter.

“We know the difficulties of this competition. This format means you have to try to pick up points, whether at home or away, in the first match or the last. And, obviously, we need points, just as every team that wants to stay in this competition does.

“Selecting the best possible line-up, keeping a cool head to manage those starting tomorrow as effectively as possible, because, obviously, the match is going to be a long one, it's going to be tough, and we need to manage our efforts well to compete effectively”, he concluded.

Lookman will be hoping for a much improved performance against Manchester United as he hopes to rediscover his confidence and hit top form once again at the Spanish club.