Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has challenged Ademola Lookman to improve his overall work rate and off-the-ball contribution, despite the forward’s strong scoring form since sealing a €35 million move from Atalanta in January.
Lookman has quickly made an impact at the Estadio Metropolitano. On Saturday, he found the net in a thrilling 4–2 victory over Espanyol, bringing his tally to six goal involvements in just a few appearances. The strike also saw him match Luis Suárez’s 2010 record for the most productive start to an Atlético career.
However, for Simeone, scoring is only part of the equation. Known for his demanding approach, the Argentine tactician insists that attacking brilliance must be paired with defensive discipline, tactical awareness, and relentless effort without the ball.
While the Argentine tactician acknowledged Lookman’s impact in front of goal, he made it clear that the 28-year-old still has ground to cover in other areas of his game.
“Lookman brings us goals; honestly, more goals than overall play right now,” Simeone said after the Espanyol victory.
“He can still improve his build-up play and his defensive work. We need him to adapt to the team’s philosophy in those aspects.
“His attitude suggests he wants to improve as a footballer. He has that natural instinct; those goals are no coincidence. But we also need more from him in the collective game” Simeone said.