DIEGO SIMEONE has told Ademola Lookman he’s got the goals, now he needs the graft.
The Atletico Madrid boss hailed his Nigerian matchwinner after Lookman fired home his first LaLiga goal for the club in Saturday’s 4-2 thriller against Espanyol.
But true to form, Simeone wasn’t about to let the former Everton flyer get too comfortable.
Lookman timed his run to perfection to nod home from a corner and put Atleti 3-1 up, ending a three game goal drought for the Rojiblancos. It was the finish of a natural predator and Simeone knows it.
“He brings us goals, more goals than overall play,” said the Argentine taskmaster. “That goal scoring instinct is no coincidence.”
But here’s the catch. Simeone wants more. Lots more.
“He can still improve his overall play and defensive work,” he added. “We need him to adapt to the team’s way of playing in those aspects.”
It’s vintage Simeone praise with a purpose. The Atletico boss has built a career on turning flair players into grafters, and Lookman’s now top of the class.
The good news? The Super Eagle is buying in.
“His message is that he wants to improve as a footballer,” Simeone revealed.
Lookman’s strike was the killer blow in a game that saw Atleti bounce back in style after a worrying wobble. The win stopped what would’ve been their first four game winless run in LaLiga since December 2021.
For a player who’s bounced around since leaving these shores Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, Leicester, Lookman looks to have finally found a home under one of the game’s great managers.
Just don’t expect Simeone to tell him that anytime soon.
