By Editor
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has called on Ademola Lookman to increase his work rate. This comes despite the Nigerian forward’s impressive goal-scoring form since joining the club a fortnight ago.
On Saturday, the Super Eagles attacker scored his sixth goal for the club, scoring in a 4-2 victory over Espanyol.
It was a remarkable strike that highlighted his killer instinct in the box and ensured he equaled Luis Suárez’s 2010 record for the best statistical start to an Atleti career.
But despite this remarkable achievement, the Atletico coach is not very satisfied. While Simeone praised Lookman’s goal-scoring output after the match, he emphasized that he expects more from the 28-year-old in terms of off-the-ball contribution.
Simeone is widely regarded as one of the most demanding coaches in world football. He requires his teams to attack and defend as a disciplined unit, often prioritizing tactical defensive positioning over individual flair.
While acknowledging Lookman’s impact on the scoreboard, Simeone made it clear that the Nigerian must integrate more into the club’s defensive setup to help the team reach its peak.
“Lookman brings us goals – honestly, more goals than overall play right now,” Simeone said after defeating Espanyol.
“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.”
Lookman is unlikely to struggle with these demands. Throughout his career, he has been a player who leaves it all on the pitch and thrives in high-pressure systems.
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Extrasportnigeria 
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