Ademola Lookman: What Simeone’s Atletico Madrid plans mean for Super Eagles star

Ademola Lookman enters Atlético Madrid’s new season with an important question over his exact position, Afrik-Foot reports.

Coach Diego Simeone was asked on Tuesday to explain how he plans to use the Nigeria international after a major squad rebuild. His answer did not give Lookman, who has a number of records to chase this term, a fixed role.

Simeone said Atlético are still adjusting their plans because several players arrived late after the 2026 World Cup, while new signings also need time to settle.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Wednesday’s La Liga opener against Málaga at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Simeone said,

“We’re in the process of settling in really. The truth is among the players who played in the World Cup, and there were many of them, and their arrival. Some arrived later, others earlier. Kang-in started training with us when we went to Korea. Romero arrived recently.

“The truth is we are in the process of adjusting what we are going to do, where we are going to go, and obviously we are going to need the time that we don’t have because tomorrow we compete but that is the reality.”

That uncertainty could actually work in Lookman’s favour. The Super Eagles forward has a chance to start as Atlético’s main forward. Julián Álvarez is not expected to start against Málaga after his recent return to training amid uncertainty over his future. Alexander Sørloth is also out with a muscle injury.

That leaves Simeone short of senior attacking options for the opening game. The former Atalanta man is therefore expected to lead the attack against Málaga on Wednesday, with Spanish reports also listing him in a possible front three alongside Arnau Ortiz and Rodrigo Mendoza.

The role would be different from the wide position in which Lookman has often played. The 28-year-old forward can play on both wings while his pace and dribbling also allow him to move into central areas. That flexibility is valuable to Simeone during a season in which his attacking options have changed sharply.

The squad changes could increase Lookman’s importance

Atlético have lost Antoine Griezmann, Thiago Almada and Nahuel Molina this summer. The club have also added Cristian Romero, Morten Hjulmand, Kang-in Lee and Alejandro Grimaldo. Arnau Ortiz has moved into the first team.

The changes mean Simeone must build a new attacking structure. Lookman already knows the coach’s demands. He said in April that Simeone had helped him become a more complete player, especially in defence.

That matters because Simeone expects his attackers to work without the ball as well as create chances. Lookman can therefore offer Simeone more than goals. He can play wide, move behind a striker or operate as the most advanced attacker.

What it means for Lookman’s form

A regular starting role could be a major boost for Lookman. He scored nine goals and provided four assists in 24 appearances during his first Atlético season after joining from Atalanta. His goal involvement came once every 106 minutes. Those numbers give him a strong base for the new campaign.

More minutes could also help Lookman build rhythm. Playing regularly in one of Europe’s strongest leagues should give him more chances to improve his finishing and decision-making. Simeone has already used him as a second striker and from the left. That tactical freedom could make Lookman harder for defenders to predict.

Why Nigeria should care

Lookman’s Atlético role matters to the Super Eagles. Nigeria rely on him as one of their main attacking players. At the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, he scored against Mozambique in a 4-0 round-of-16 win and finished the tournament with combined seven AFCON goals+assists overall.

A strong season at Atlético could give Nigeria a sharper Lookman ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in East Africa. His ability to play centrally could also give the Super Eagles another option when Victor Osimhen occupies the centre-forward position.

The real test starts after Álvarez returns

Lookman’s immediate opportunity is clear, but his long-term position is not. Álvarez remains an important part of Simeone’s plans despite the transfer dispute. The Argentine coach expects him to return to action soon, while Sørloth should also return after his injury.

Lookman will then face stronger competition for attacking places. His best response is simply to produce goals, create chances and prove that his versatility can solve problems for Simeone.

The Málaga game gives him the first chance. If Lookman turns that opportunity into a strong start, Simeone may have little reason to keep his Nigeria star on the sidelines.