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The early weeks of Ademola Lookman’s adventure in Spain have already given Atlético Madrid supporters plenty to celebrate, Footynaija reports.
Yet manager Diego Simeone believes the Nigerian forward still has another level to unlock, one shaped by the same emotion and commitment he shows whenever he represents the Super Eagles.
Lookman’s winter switch from Atalanta marked the end of a successful spell in Italy and the beginning of a fresh challenge in Spanish football. The transition has been seamless.
Ademola Lookman scores his first La Liga goal 💫
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 21, 2026
Six goal involvements in six Atleti games. pic.twitter.com/AWx3zx2f4y
Since arriving at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the attacker has adapted quickly to Simeone’s demanding system, blending creativity with work rate and decisiveness in front of goal.
The former RB Leipzig attacker has wasted little time announcing himself, producing seven goal involvements in his first seven appearances across La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. His direct running, sharp movement between defensive lines and willingness to press from the front have quickly turned him into a favourite among Atletico supporters.
Simeone, however, sees even greater potential.
One chessboard delivered to Africa’s best, Ademola Lookman @Alookman_ .
— Tunde Onakoya (@Tunde_OD) February 22, 2026
He invited me to watch the game and scored a brilliant header. I was beaming with pride.
Naija boys are up to the stars 🇳🇬!! pic.twitter.com/bJN7FWjdrm
“He arrived full of enthusiasm and eager to continue growing, to help us, and for us to help him,” Simeone said at a press conference.
“We need him to keep contributing offensively and add to his defensive work, which he already possesses. He’s done a lot of it, especially for his national team, and we need him to feel the Atleti shirt the same way he feels the Nigeria shirt.
“That’s how he becomes a very important player, and we need him to be like that.”
Simeone believes Lookman’s performances for Nigeria prove he already understands that balance.
On the international stage, Lookman has consistently combined flair with discipline. He was instrumental during the Africa Cup of Nations 2023, helping Nigeria reach the final through decisive attacking contributions and relentless defensive tracking. He followed that display with another strong campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, scoring and creating goals as the team secured a bronze medal finish.
Those performances have shaped Simeone’s expectations.
https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/atletico-madrid/20260227/1004137209/necesitamos-lookman-sienta-camiseta-atleti-igual-nigeria.html
