Simeone credits Lookman for Atletico’s run

Diego Simeone has singled out Ademola Lookman as a transformative figure in his Atlético Madrid side, praising the forward’s growing influence following their progress into the semi-finals of this season’s UEFA Champions League, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Lookman was on target in Atlético’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final second leg, but his lone goal proved decisive as it secured a 3-2 aggregate victory for the Spanish side.

It was the third time the Rojiblancos have eliminated the Catalan giants at that stage of the competition.

Atlético have also advanced to the final of the Copa del Rey, where they will face Real Sociedad on Saturday, and the Argentine manager highlighted Lookman’s decisive contributions since his arrival in January.

“He continues to evolve completely. He’s improving a lot defensively. He’s gaining a lot of weight within the team,” Simeone said after the Barcelona game.

The Atlético boss went further, describing Lookman as a unique profile unlike any player he has coached during his tenure at the club.

“In all the time I’ve been here at the club, I haven’t had a player of that calibre and with those characteristics,” he added.

Simeone also emphasised the tactical flexibility Lookman brings, especially within an attack that now features multiple forward options operating fluidly across positions.

“We’re playing with four forwards, although Giuliano is described as a full-back, midfielder, and striker… In Ademola’s case, he has more qualities; I saw that in Nigeria. He’s got it.”

Despite their struggles earlier this season—reflected in their position in La Liga, where they sit fourth with 51 points after 31 matches—Simeone’s men are now on the cusp of featuring in two finals.

Lookman has been instrumental in that run, recording four goals and four assists in nine matches across the Copa del Rey and Champions League.

He also has two goals in eight La Liga games, taking his tally to six goals and four assists in 17 appearances across all competitions in just three months.(Punch)