Ademola Lookman: 2 praise-worthy attributes Atletico star showed in Stuttgart draw

Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman took another step in getting his confidence back with a solid outing in the 1-1 draw against Stuttgart yesterday evening.

On his 29th birthday, the Nigerian was introduced at half-time with Atletico trailing after Jamie Leweling’s first-half goal.

He needed little time to make an impact, setting up Alvarez’s equaliser in the 47th minute with a brilliant pass.

Atletico were reduced to 10 men following Morten Hjulmand’s dismissal in the 64th minute, making their defensive work important as they held on for a point.

Ademola Lookman: 2 praise-worthy attributes in Stuttgart draw

Lookman reflected on the difficult contest in his post-match interview, highlighting both the team’s response after the break and its determination to remain united after the red card.

“We kept pushing, but unfortunately, we went down to 10 men. We dug in, we showed our fight together, stuck together, and we took a point away from home,” the England-born Nigerian said.

1. Lookman’s creativity made an impact

Lookman’s introduction gave Atletico an outlet down the left, and the Nigerian quickly delivered the breakthrough his side needed.

After receiving the ball on the left, he drove forward and sent a low cross into the penalty area. Alvarez met the delivery and finished from close range to bring Atletico level.

The Argentine was met by an embrace from his teammates as it was his first goal this season, bringing the curtains down on a rather dry spell in front of goal for the former Manchester City striker.

The assist was a reminder of Lookman’s ability to create chances for his team. Reflecting on the goal, Lookman explained the confidence he had in his teammate’s finishing.

“We just tried to look out for him in the box; he is deadly in the box. So, yeah, I knew he would score,” the Nigerian said.

Diego Simeone stormed into the tunnel at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, disappointed his team dropped points against the Bundesliga side.

Still, he was pleased that bringing Lookman on had the desired effect, although Hjulmand’s red card ensured that effect was short-lived.

“I was sure that the goal was going to come and that we could take the game where we wanted.

“We made it 1-1 and we could not continue because the red card happened and it changed the game.

“We put Sorloth in if we could find any play at the end, with Lookman and him.

2. Lookman showed the defensive commitment Simeone demands

Lookman’s contribution was not limited to the attacking end. In the 80th minute, the Nigerian made a crucial block to deny Angelo Stiller an opportunity as Stuttgart searched for a winner.

The intervention was significant, given Atletico’s numerical disadvantage. With the Spanish side defending a draw away from home, every blocked attempt and defensive action helped preserve their chances of leaving Germany with a point.

Simeone previously asked Lookman to improve his defensive work, stressing that the forward must complement his attacking qualities with more contributions to the team’s overall style of play, not just in the final third.

The Stuttgart performance offered an encouraging example of that balance. Lookman supplied the assist for Alvarez’s equaliser and then contributed when Atletico needed to protect their goal.

After the match, he also praised the travelling supporters for maintaining their energy throughout the contest.

“The whole match, we could hear them pushing us throughout the game.

“Especially after the 65th minute, they kept going, and they were even louder. So, thanks to them, thanks for them for the extra energy,” the former Atalanta star concluded.

For Lookman, the draw provided an opportunity to prove his value to Atletico, especially after a rough start to the season.