Diego Simeone Sends Message to Ademola Lookman After First Goal for Atletico Madrid
- Ademola Lookman scored and assisted on his Atletico Madrid debut in a 5-0 win over Real Betis
- Diego Simeone praised Lookman’s versatility after shining on his debut for the Spanish giants
- Lookman became the first Atletico player since 2013/14 to record a goal and assist on debut as a starter against a La Liga opponent
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has sent a glowing message to Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman after the Nigerian star delivered a dream debut for the Spanish giants in the Copa del Rey.
Lookman, who only completed his transfer from Atalanta earlier this week, made an immediate impact as Atletico crushed Real Betis 5-0 in their quarter-final clash on Thursday, February 5.
Source: Getty Images
According to ESPN, the 28-year-old marked his first appearance with both a goal and an assist, announcing his arrival in La Liga in style.
Lookman’s performance did not go unnoticed by Simeone, who praised the Nigerian forward’s versatility and unique qualities after the match, expressing confidence that Lookman can play a major role in Atletico’s ambitions this season.
Ademola Lookman shines on Atletico debut
Thrown straight into the starting line-up, Lookman wasted no time showing why Atletico moved quickly to secure his signature.
The former African Footballer of the Year found the net in the 37th minute, finishing calmly to complete a dominant first-half display by the visitors.
As reported by Flashscore, earlier goals from David Hancko in the 12th minute and Giovanni Simeone in the 30th had already put Atletico in control. But Lookman’s strike capped a relentless opening period and ensured Diego Simeone’s men went into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Atletico showed no mercy after half-time. Just after the hour mark, Lookman turned provider, setting up Antoine Griezmann, who fired past goalkeeper Adrián for Atletico’s fourth goal of the night.
With qualification to the semi-finals already sealed, Simeone rang the changes, and substitute Thiago Almada added the fifth goal late on to complete an emphatic victory.
Lookman’s goal and assist made him the first Atletico player since at least the 2013/14 season to register both on his debut as a starter against a La Liga opponent in any competition, according to Opta.
Simeone praises Lookman’s unique qualities
After the match, Simeone could not hide his satisfaction with Lookman’s display and the way he fitted into Atletico’s system.
Source: Getty Images
“Lookman is different from all the players we have, especially in one-on-one situations, but he also has associative play,” Simeone said.
“His profile allows us to use him in different positions, and his impact on the team was very good.”
The Argentine manager also stressed that Lookman’s arrival gives Atletico new attacking options as they push for domestic and European success.
“He felt comfortable, and hopefully we can help him become an even better footballer, just as he can help us grow as a team,” Simeone added.
Atletico Madrid fans hail Lookman
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Atletico Madrid fans have sent a message to Lookman following his impressive display in their 5-0 victory over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey quarter-final on Thursday, February 5.
The Nigerian international, who completed his move from Atalanta to the Spanish capital just three days earlier, wasted no time making an impact under Diego Simeone.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
