How ex-PSG man can make Lookman even more dangerous at Atlético Madrid

Kang-in Lee has only just started his Atlético Madrid career, but his first minutes alongside Ademola Lookman have given Diego Simeone an attacking idea worth exploring, Afrik-Foot reports.

The South Korean joined Atlético from Paris Saint-Germain in July on a contract until June 2031. The 25-year-old is left-footed and can play as an attacking midfielder or on either wing. Atlético also gave him the number seven shirt. The club says his main strengths include his vision, close control, passing and shooting.

Lookman, with a few records in his sight, offers a different set of tools. The Nigeria international joined from Atalanta and signed until June 2030. Atlético describe him as a quick and skilful forward who can play as a second striker or on either wing. He can cut inside or stay wide.

That difference could make the two players useful partners, as per Marca.

Kang-in’s passing can unlock Lookman’s movement

The clearest clue came in Atlético’s final pre-season game against Marseille at the Vélodrome on 14 August.

Kang-in started with Lookman in Atlético’s attack. He was replaced by Carlos Martín in the 36th minute, while Lookman played until the 70th minute. Atlético lost the first half 1-0 after Igor Paixão’s 22nd-minute goal, but Rodrigo Mendoza equalised before Carlos Martín scored in the second half to give Simeone’s side a 2-1 win.

The important part for Kang-in and Lookman was not only the score. Kang-in repeatedly looked for the former Fulham winger’s runs into open areas. One move produced a fine pass that sent the Nigerian into a dangerous position. The Nigerian finished the move, but the goal did not count because he was offside.

That type of pass could become one of Kang-in’s most useful weapons at Atlético.

Lookman does not need the ball at his feet every time. His pace allows him to attack space behind defenders, while his ability to play on either flank gives Kang-in several passing options. Atlético’s own profile of Lookman stresses his speed and dribbling ability.

Kang-in can therefore help the Super Eagles star by receiving the ball between the lines, waiting for the Nigerian to move, then playing the pass early. That could be especially useful against teams that defend deep.

Lookman’s record also gives Simeone reason to trust the idea. He scored twice in Atlético’s 4-1 training win against Getafe in late July. The next step is simple. Kang-in needs to find Lookman before the defence has time to settle.

Atlético’s first LaLiga game is against Málaga at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on 19 August. The club’s schedule gives Simeone only a few days after the Marseille game to decide how much he wants to use the new partnership.

There is also a clear reason to give it a chance. Julián Álvarez, Álex Baena and Marcos Llorente were unavailable for the Marseille friendly, while Alexander Sørloth has a muscle problem. That leaves Simeone with fewer attacking options as the season starts.

Kang-in can make Lookman more dangerous by using his vision and passing to attack space. Lookman can then give Kang-in a fast target who can turn those passes into chances.

The Marseille game was only a pre-season match. But it offered Atlético a useful clue: Kang-in does not need to score to influence the attack. If he can keep finding Lookman’s runs, he may give Simeone a direct route to one of his most dangerous attackers.