Lookman’s Atlético problem: Is Simeone asking the Nigerian to play the wrong game?

Super Eagles and Atletico Madrid forward Ademola Lookman has never been at his best when he waits for the game to come to him, Afrik-Foot reports.

His strongest work at Atalanta came when he could start from the left, receive the ball in wider areas, move into the left half-space and attack defenders. The Nigerian could then use his acceleration, close control and dribbling to create a shooting chance or open space for a team-mate.

It is no surprise, therefore, that Lookman averaged 4 successful dribbles per 90 minutes in Serie A and 6.48 touches in the penalty area during his successful spell in Italy. He also averaged 3.4 shots per 90 minutes. In the end, he registered 55 goals and 27 assists in 137 appearances for Atalanta before leaving the club earlier this year. His numbers showed a player who could hurt opponents through carries and one-on-one situations, not only through movement inside the box.

That profile creates a tactical question at Atlético Madrid. Simeone has used Lookman as a centre-forward since the start of the 2026-27 season. He started as the central striker in Atlético’s 2-0 win over Málaga on August 19, with Julián Álvarez unavailable and Alexander Sørloth injured. The former Everton and Fulham man played all 90 minutes and had two shots on target.

Simeone explained the decision as a need to find a solution in attack. But the role can also remove one of Lookman’s best weapons: receiving the ball before the final third and carrying it towards defenders.

That difference matters. At Atalanta, Lookman could drift away from the penalty area to find possession. He could face a full-back, accelerate into space and force the defence to react. Atlético’s structured attack can instead ask him to occupy a central position, make runs and wait for service.

The Nigerian can score from that position. But it may not give him enough opportunities to influence the game.

Simeone’s structure vs Lookman’s instinct

Lookman’s first Atlético season showed why Simeone trusts him. After joining in January, he scored nine goals and supplied four assists in 24 appearances. His goal involvement came once every 106 minutes. So far, this term, the Super Eagles winger has no goal or assist to his name after two league games.

The problem is not whether Nigerian can succeed under Simeone. It is how much of his natural game Atlético can unlock.

Simeone’s football depends heavily on spacing, defensive discipline and collective movement. Lookman’s game is more instinctive. He wants to see a defender, get the ball and decide what happens next.

That is why earlier touches could change his influence. A pass into the ex-Leipzig star near the touchline or in the left half-space gives him several choices: drive inside, attack the full-back, combine with a team-mate or carry the ball into the final third. A pass to him inside a crowded penalty area gives him fewer options.

Atlético’s current injury and squad situation makes the experiment understandable. Yet on Sunday against Villarreal, Simeone again named Lookman as the central striker, even with Álvarez back in the squad.

The challenge is clear. Simeone must preserve Atlético’s structure without turning Lookman into a player who spends too much time waiting for the final pass.

Lookman is most dangerous when he can start the attack himself. Give him the ball early, let him run at defenders and Atlético may get the unpredictable attacker they signed from Atalanta. Keep him waiting between centre-backs and Simeone risks removing the very freedom that made Lookman so dangerous in Italy.