Simeone Wants More from Lookman

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has said his team needs Ademola Lookman to do more. This comes after Lookman came on in the second half during their 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the Madrid derby on Sunday, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Simeone recognized Lookman's value to the team. He also challenged the forward to make a bigger impact after he came on in the second half.

Lookman entered the game in the 67th minute with Atletico leading 2-0. Goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David put them ahead. He replaced Alex Baena but could not contribute significantly before Antonio Rudiger scored for Real Madrid later in the match.

After the match, Simeone said he expected more from some of his substitutes, naming Lookman as one of those who should have done better. "We needed the talent of Koke, a little more freshness from Julián, and that Lookman entered better than he did," Simeone said, according to Fichajes.

Before the derby, the Atletico manager praised Lookman’s abilities. He said Lookman adds something special to the team that they do not have. "He is a footballer who has a profile that we don’t have much. He is the most decisive in one-on-one situations on the edge of the box," Simeone said.

Simeone also emphasized that Lookman will remain an important part of his plans, no matter how much he plays. "We need him, whether it’s 60, 70 minutes or whatever he plays. He has done us very well since he arrived and although his start to the season is not what he would have wanted, we need him," he added.

Lookman has scored once in seven games this season. He has played in different attacking roles as Simeone adjusts the team after Antoine Griezmann left.

The 28-year-old joined Atletico from Atalanta midway through last season. He quickly became a key player, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 24 matches.

He also scored against Real Madrid in Atletico’s 3-2 loss at the Santiago Bernabeu in March. But he could not repeat that performance in Sunday’s derby.

Despite Lookman’s limited role, Atletico managed to win. Rudiger’s late goal was not enough for Real Madrid as Simeone’s team celebrated the victory.

Lookman will now need to take advantage of his chances as Atletico moves forward in their campaign. Simeone made it clear that he expects more from Lookman when he plays.