Simeone to bench Ademola Lookman for Rayo Vallecano despite Barcelona masterclass

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone will likely drop Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman to the bench for Sunday’s clash against Rayo Vallecano, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Lookman has been brilliant for Los Colchoneros since his €35 million switch from Atalanta during the January transfer window. He has already contributed two goals and two assists in just three appearances for the club.

Most recently, he delivered a heroic performance, playing a key role in his side’s 4-0 thrashing of Barcelona in the Copa del Rey.

​Given his blistering start to life in Madrid, it would be easy to assume the Nigerian attacker would play a pivotal role in every fixture for the remainder of the season. However, Simeone is looking to manage the workload of his Super Eagles star and other key members of the squad.

​According to Spanish outlet AS, Simeone has been testing a different starting XI in training ahead of the La Liga fixture at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas.

This indicates that, barring any last-minute changes, Lookman will not start the match. Instead, players like Alex Baena, Thiago Almada, and Alexander Sørloth are expected to get the nod.

​Ademola Lookman Remains a Key Player for Atletico Madrid

​Atletico Madrid had been trailing Ademola Lookman for months before securing his signature, and it is clear that Diego Simeone is a huge admirer of his talent.

Lookman has quickly repaid that faith, showing remarkable consistency across his first three appearances.

​Despite the benching, Simeone still views him as an indispensable asset. The primary reason for the personnel change is load management; by rotating the squad, the coach hopes to prevent injuries during a grueling stretch of the season.

​Also, Atleti has a crucial UEFA Champions League tie against Bodø/Glimt next week, and Simeone wants Lookman fresh for that encounter.

While he may not start on Sunday, Lookman is still expected to see minutes against Rayo Vallecano, depending on how the game unfolds.