2 reasons Atlético Madrid need Lookman to step up without Griezmann

Ademola Lookman faces a bigger responsibility at Atlético Madrid following the departure of Antoine Griezmann, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian has been handed the No.11 shirt ahead of the new LaLiga season, underlining his growing importance to Diego Simeone’s plans.

Lookman also enters the campaign on the back of an impressive pre-season, where he’s built some fitness and rhythm off the back of a summer holiday in Brazil.

However, his shirt swap comes at a difficult moment for the Spanish club, with Griezmann gone and fitness concerns surrounding Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez.

That could leave Lookman with a significant share of the responsibility for replacing the goals and creativity lost by Atlético.

Why Lookman must step up for Atlético Madrid

1. Atlético need a new attacking leader

Griezmann’s departure leaves more than a gaping hole in Atlético’s attack. The Frenchman was one of the club’s most dependable sources of goals, assists and creativity, while his ability to operate between midfield and attack made him an important link in Simeone’s system.

Lookman is not a direct replacement for Griezmann because the two players offer different qualities. However, the Nigerian has attributes that could help Atlético compensate for some of what they have lost.

His excellence in one-on-one situations gives Simeone a different way of breaking down opponents. Lookman can receive the ball between the lines, carry it over long distances and attack defenders with pace.

With Griezmann no longer available to provide the same level of creativity, Lookman may have to take on more responsibility for creating chances rather than simply finishing them.

His new No.11 shirt is therefore more than a change of number. It reflects the expectation that he can become one of Atlético’s major attacking outlets.

2. Lookman may have to carry the attack

The Nigerian’s importance is further amplified by the uncertainty surrounding Sørloth and Álvarez.

Both forwards have had fitness concerns, potentially leaving Atlético without their preferred attacking options for the opening weeks of the season.

That makes Lookman’s versatility particularly useful. The Nigerian does not necessarily need to become Atlético’s traditional No.9.

His greatest value could come from operating around the main striker, attacking spaces and stretching defensive lines.

Simeone will also expect him to contribute without the ball. Atlético’s football demands intensity, pressing and defensive discipline from its attackers, meaning Lookman will have to combine his attacking freedom with the defensive work expected at the Metropolitano.

His pre-season form suggests he is ready for the challenge, but competitive football will provide a far tougher test, starting tonight in their opening La Liga fixture against Malaga.

If Lookman can turn his explosiveness into consistent goals and assists while maintaining his defensive commitment, Atlético could have a player capable of filling some of the creative void left by Griezmann.

For the Nigerian, the new season is therefore about more than wearing the No.11 shirt; it is his chance to prove that he can become one of the central figures in Simeone’s Atlético Madrid.