Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been preparing Ademola Lookman for a bigger attacking role, with the Nigeria forward expected to lead the line against Marseille on Friday, Footynaija reports.
Lookman has been used as a centre-forward since Atletico began pre-season training. Simeone’s plan has become even more important after injuries and the late return of some of his main attackers.
Alexander Sørloth is currently out with a muscle injury and will miss the start of the new La Liga season. Antoine Griezmann has left the club for the MLS, while Julián Álvarez and Sørloth only returned to training later because of their World Cup involvement.
Those problems have left Simeone looking for another option in attack.
Lookman, who normally operates from wider positions, has emerged as that solution, according to Mundo Deportivo. Simeone had already considered using him through the middle before Sørloth’s injury, meaning the current situation has not completely changed his plans.
Lookman’s ability to play in several attacking positions has therefore given Simeone an important option. Friday’s game at Marseille will provide another chance to test him as a striker before Atletico begin their league campaign against Málaga on 19 August.










