Super Eagles: What Lookman needs to change to win back Simeone’s trust at Atletico Madrid

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has endured a difficult start to the 2026/27 season at Atletico Madrid.

Lookman joined Atletico from Atalanta in February 2026 and quickly established himself as an important part of Diego Simeone’s attack. 

The Nigerian forward scored nine goals and provided four assists in 24 appearances across all competitions, helping the club reach the Copa del Rey final and Champions League semi-finals.

His performances raised expectations ahead of his first full season in Madrid, with the 29-year-old expected to bring more goals, creativity and attacking threat to Simeone’s team.

However, things have not gone according to plan this season. Lookman has struggled to reproduce the form that made him one of Atletico’s most exciting attacking players last term.

The former Atalanta star has managed just two goals and one assist in 14 appearances across all competitions, with his only league goal coming in the 3-1 victory over Sevilla in August.

His struggles have also affected his position in the team and he has seen his playing time reduced. He featured for just 14 minutes in Atletico’s 2-0 victory over Levante last Saturday, having also been substituted at half-time in some of the club’s previous league matches.

Lookman: What Super Eagles needs to change to win back Simeone’s trust

One of the major challenges for Lookman has been finding his best position in Simeone’s system. He has been deployed in a central attacking role at different points, despite being more comfortable operating from the left, where he can use his pace, dribbling and ability to take on defenders.

With Atletico demanding defensive discipline and tactical responsibility, the Super Eagles forward has also had to adjust to the manager’s expectations while trying to maintain the attacking qualities that made him successful in Italy.

1. Lookman must rediscover his confidence and attacking threat

The Super Eagles forward needs to rediscover the confidence that made him such a dangerous player during his time at Atalanta and the second half of last season at Atletico.

One of his biggest strengths is his ability to take on defenders, create space and make things happen in the final third. However, he has not been able to produce those moments consistently this season.

Simeone has already acknowledged the importance of this quality, pointing to Lookman’s ability to win one-on-one duels in the final third. The Super Eagles winger must turn that ability into more goals and assists if he wants to become a regular starter again.

2. Improve his end product in front of goal

Another area Lookman needs to improve is his contribution in the final third.

The 29-year-old must make better decisions in attacking situations and show greater composure in front of goal. He also needs to contribute more consistently to Atletico’s build-up play by creating chances for his teammates and making intelligent movements into dangerous areas.

At the same time, Simeone must find ways to get the best out of the Super Eagles star’s attacking qualities.

Despite Lookman’s struggles, Simeone has continued to express confidence in his qualities and believes he has the quality to overcome his difficult period.

The Atletico manager has urged the 29-year-old not to become frustrated by his lack of goals and reduced playing time, insisting that difficult moments are part of every footballer’s career.

“I have a lot of faith in him. I don’t want him to get frustrated because he’s not going through his best moment, because it’s part of life, part of the game, part of football”, Simeone said, via Tribal Football.

“This is work, this is believing in what you do.”

Lookman is in contention to feature when Atletico Madrid host Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles forward will be hoping to put his difficult spell behind him and remind Simeone of what he can offer the team.