Ademola Lookman tipped to succeed at Atletico under Diego Simeone

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney believes Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman made the right decision to join Atletico Madrid from Atalanta in Serie A.

The 28-year-old made the decision to join the Spanish outfit on transfer deadline day. Lookman made his first European appearance for Diego Simeone’s side against Club Brugge on Wednesday.

 

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Lookman scored Atletico’s second goal of the night in a pulsating six-goal encounter. In the process, Lookman became the first player to score on his Champions League debut for Atletico since Hector Herrera against Juventus in September 2019.

He further became the first player to achieve the feat as a starter since Ángel Correa against SL Benfica in September 2015. According to Deeney, Lookman’s choice was spot, because he will have a good campaign in Spain under Simeone.

‘I think he’s a perfect fit for Atletico’

“But I think there’s a moment now in time for every footballer that is perfect. He is a kind of guy, yes, he has spark, but he needs structure,” Deeney told CBS Chat.

“He needs to know who, what, and where. He gets that at Atletico. You know what you’re doing under Diego Simone, how it’s supposed to be, and what you’re supposed to go and then show what you have. I think he’s a perfect fit for both him and the team.

“In England, he never got the trust when he was at Fulham,” he revealed. “They never gave him a sure position. Don’t worry if you make a mistake, we will give you the ball again.”

Lookman has so far scored three goals

Deeney added: “I remember him, he tried to do the Paneka, he missed it and he was gone,” he recalled while analyzing the UEFA Champions League match between Atletico Madrid and Club Brugge.

“The talent was there and I also think Atalanta trusted him to be the bright spark,” he said.

Since his January arrival in Spain, Lookman has made an immediate impact, scoring three goals so far.