Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone says he will take time to identify Ademola Lookman’s best position as the Super Eagles forward settles into the Spanish club, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Lookman, who joined Atletico during the winter transfer window in a deal worth €35m that could rise to €40m, made an immediate impact on his debut, scoring and providing an assist in Thursday’s 5-0 Copa del Rey thrashing of Real Betis.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s La Liga clash against Betis, Simeone said both player and team are still getting familiar with each other.
“We’ll try to get to know each other better. He’ll get to know the team, and we’ll get to know his strengths. He has the vision to attack, and we’ll work with the team to find the best approach,” the Argentine tactician said.
The 28-year-old Nigerian was officially cleared to feature in La Liga on Friday morning after his name appeared on the league’s registered squad list, confirming that all documentation and financial requirements had been approved.
He becomes the 44th Nigerian player in La Liga history and the second for Atletico Madrid.
The timing could hardly have been better, with his Copa del Rey heroics coming just 24 hours before his league clearance.
Lookman’s goal was his 100th career strike, making him the first Nigerian to score in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and Copa del Rey.
He has now found the net on his debut for his last four clubs – Everton, RB Leipzig, Atalanta and Atletico Madrid.
“Very proud, very happy for my debut, especially for the performance of the team. Everyone in the dressing room welcomed me in a very affectionate way,” Lookman said.
Simeone praised the Nigerian’s qualities, saying, “His characteristics speak for themselves. He is a different player to all the ones we have, a specialist in one-on-one duels, although he also has associative play.”
French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann, who benefited from Lookman’s assist, hailed the welcoming atmosphere within the squad.
“We’re a team, a dressing room, a club, and a very welcoming fanbase. Everyone who arrives is welcomed from the very first second,” Griezmann said.
Lookman has also been cleared for European action, with UEFA adding his name to Atletico’s Champions League squad.
Following the Copa del Rey victory, Atletico were drawn to face holders Barcelona in the semi-finals, with the first leg in Madrid next week.
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