Ademola Lookman: 2 qualities that makes Super Eagles star important for Atletico Madrid

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman will be hoping to make a difference when Atletico Madrid clash against Real Madrid on Sunday in the Madrid derby, Afrik-Foot reports.

Los Rojiblancos will welcome their city rivals to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday for the first Madrid derby of the 2026-27 season as they look to build on their impressive midweek win over Osasuna.

Lookman joined Los Rojiblancos earlier this year from Atalanta and scored when the two sides last met in a 3-2 defeat, in what was his first taste of the Madrid derby.

He also made an instant impact in the second half of last season, helping the club reach the semi-finals of the Champions League and the final of the Copa del Rey, although they eventually ended the campaign without a trophy.

However, the Nigerian forward has managed just one goal in seven appearances across all competitions this season and will head into the clash against Real Madrid hoping to end that run and rediscover the form he showed after joining Atletico.

Why Ademola Lookman remains dangerous for Atletico Madrid

While Lookman has not yet reached the level he showed during the early days of his Atletico career, the Nigerian still remains one of the club’s most dangerous players.

One of Lookman’s biggest strengths is his ability to win individual duels and beat defenders with his direct dribbling.

Simeone has acknowledged that quality and knows that Lookman offers the Atletico squad a profile that is not easy to find elsewhere in the team. The Argentine coach highlighted the Super Eagles star’s ability in one-on-one situations and also around the edge of the box.

“Lookman is a player with a profile we don’t often have. He’s the most dangerous player in 1v1 situations on the edge of the box. We need him whether he plays 60, 70, or however many minutes he plays”, Simeone said, via Tribal Football.

“He’s been very good for us since he arrived, and although his start to the season hasn’t been what he’d like, we still need him.”

His ability to take on defenders and create something from difficult situations could therefore be important for Atletico when they face Real Madrid.

Another quality that makes Lookman important to Atletico is his ability to play in different attacking roles.

The 28-year-old’s best position remains on the left side of the attack, where he can use his pace and direct style to cause problems. However, Simeone has used him in several positions this season as he continues to adapt to the demands of the team.

Lookman has played three times centrally and has also featured as a supporting striker, in addition to his preferred role on the left wing.

The Nigerian star has admitted that adapting to different positions has been a challenge, but he also believes it can help him become a more complete player.

“I think it’s a learning process. As you said, trying to learn different positions can certainly enrich my game and make me a more complete player”,the Nigerian star said.

“So for me, the challenge is to learn these different positions and understand how I should play with and without the ball.

“That is another aspect that must be learned and adapted. I enjoy learning and enjoying understanding new positions and understanding the game even more.”

Lookman will now be hoping to make an impact for Atletico Madrid as they aim to beat Real Madrid and record a victory in the Madrid derby on Sunday.

After that, he can turn his attention to the Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau later this month.