3 reasons behind Ademola Lookman’s new form at Atlético Madrid

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman ended a two-game goal drought at Atlético Madrid with the opener in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Sevilla, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 28-year-old had gone the opening two La Liga fixtures of the 2026/27 campaign against Málaga and Villarreal without a goal or an assist after being deployed out of position as a centre-forward, and Simeone publicly apologised to him after the Villarreal draw, acknowledging the number nine role was never the plan.

The response at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán was immediate. Playing in his preferred left-wing role, Lookman found space inside the Sevilla box and finished low into the bottom corner in the first half, leaving Atlético with two wins in three La Liga games.

3 reasons behind Lookman’s new form

1. Diego Simeone restored him to his natural left-wing position

The biggest factor in Lookman’s revival is a positional one. He is a natural left-sided attacker who built his reputation at Atalanta by receiving the ball in the half-space, carrying possession into the box and finishing on his stronger right foot, none of which are available to him with his back to goal when he played as a centre-forward.

Simeone acknowledged as much in his post-match presser following Atletico’s draw against Villarreal.

“He’s missing what he enjoys, which is dribbling, scoring goals, and taking on defenders one-on-one.”

The Sevilla goal was the immediate proof. From the left flank, Lookman drifted inside, found space between the full-back and centre-back and finished the type of low first-time shot that has been his trademark for the last three years.

2. The return of a natural centre-forward has freed him

Lookman’s out-of-position weeks were a squeeze play forced on Simeone, not a preferred choice.

The gradual return of Julián Álvarez to full sharpness has been the structural fix.

With a proper centre-forward available to occupy centre-backs, stretch the defensive line and hold up play, Lookman no longer has to sacrifice his own game to fill a role he was never signed to play. Simeone promised as much when he told reporters:

“We’re going to give him that back, obviously, when we have the forwards available to share those spaces on the field that make us better as a team.”

The Sevilla win was the first La Liga match this season in which that plan was visible on the pitch, and Lookman’s goal followed.

3. Simeone’s man-management has restored his confidence

The tactical fix would not have worked without the psychological one. Simeone’s decision to apologise publicly to Lookman, rather than defend the selection or paper over the drought, was the sort of gesture that carries weight in a dressing room and reset the terms of the player-manager relationship.

The 56-year-old followed the apology with a direct show of faith.

“I understand, and I know him, that he’s a good guy. He’s putting in a tremendous effort, especially in the team’s work.”

Lookman’s response spoke for itself. Quizzed about Simeone after the Sevilla win, the Nigerian said:

“Playing under him is great. I am learning a lot and trying to improve,” the former Atalanta forward said in an interview with ESPN.

“Learning from him and his staff is important for me to keep improving and help the team.”

Lookman hits top form in time for Super Eagles duty

The Sevilla result leaves Atlético with two wins from three, seven points on the board and Lookman heading into the September international window with his opening goal already banked, his position clarified and his manager publicly onside.

For a player who arrived at the Metropolitano from Atalanta in January with expectations to meet, that position is a considerably healthier starting point than the one he had 10 days ago.

The next test comes with the Super Eagles, where Éric Chelle will hope the Atlético Lookman who turned up at Sevilla is the one who arrives in Uyo.