AFCON 2025
It has taken Ademola Lookman just days to adapt at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano from a season of struggle. Since arriving from Atalanta in the final days of the January transfer window, the 28-year-old Nigerian international has been directly involved in four goals in just three appearances, banging two goals and two assists in 222 minutes of action for Atletico de Madrid.
However, his impact was most spectacularly felt in the Copa del Rey, where he marked his debut with a goal and an assist against Real Betis, before turning in a masterclass against Barcelona, scoring the third and assisting Julian Alvarez for the fourth in a 4-0 thrashing.
Before this electric start in Spain, Lookman solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s premier attackers during a stellar spell with Atalanta. Between August 2022 and his departure in February 2026, he made 137 appearances for the Serie A side, scoring 55 goals and providing 27 assists. His time in Bergamo was highlighted by a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final and finishing as the African Footballer of the Year.
However, it is his immediate adjustment to Diego Simeone’s demanding system that has captured attention. Here are three reasons why Lookman is shining at Atletico Madrid.
Exceptional Tactical Adaptability and Instant Impact
Despite only arriving in the January transfer window, Lookman has adapted quickly to Diego Simeone’s demanding tactical system, thriving in the counter-attacking and aggressive pressing style Atletico utilizes. He brings a directness that contrasts sharply with Simeone’s often structured tactics, acting as a catalyst for explosive transitions. Lookman became the first Atletico player to debut as a starter against a LaLiga opponent with a goal and an assist in any competition since at least the 2013-14 season.
His arrival was timely, providing immediate relief to a stuttering attack that had struggled against deep-lying defensive setups. Simeone himself acknowledged that Lookman does not need an adaptation period, hailing him as a “different” type of player who can operate in several positions. This adaptability allows Simeone to utilize him both as a wide threat and as a central forward depending on the match situation.
The speed at which he has integrated is not just due to fitness, but to a high footballing IQ that allows him to read the game and understand where space will open up before it does. His ability to switch between being a “one-on-one player” and a “team player” means he fits seamlessly into Atletico’s compact defensive structure without sacrificing offensive output.
A Formidable New Attacking Partnership
Lookman has slotted seamlessly into an attacking partnership alongside Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez, a trio that poses an elite threat to opposing defenses, swapping positions constantly to drag defenders out of shape and creating spaces for one another. Their ability to hold the ball up and release teammates at the exact right moment has overwhelmed opponents, most notably Barcelona.
In the 4-0 Copa del Rey win, Lookman utilized clever movement to exploit space created by Álvarez dropping deep, demonstrating an almost telepathic understanding with his fellow forwards. This partnership was particularly effective against Barcelona’s high defensive line, with Griezmann’s intelligent positioning and Lookman’s sprints infield leaving the Catalans chasing shadows.
The chemistry between Lookman, Griezmann, and Álvarez is a result of their complementary skill sets: Álvarez provides creative spark, Griezmann offers experienced positioning, and Lookman brings explosive pace.
Simeone’s gamble of fielding all of these attacking players together proved to be a masterstroke in the semifinal, effectively burying the tie before halftime. Lookman’s ability to turn provider, as he did when assisting Griezmann and Alvarez, shows that he is not just looking for personal glory but is committed to the team’s collective attacking success.
Elite Individual Skill Set in the Final Third
Lookman brings a direct, pacey style of play that sets him apart, offering qualities that Simeone noted the team previously lacked, particularly in tight situations. He is strong at dribbling, holding up the ball, and possesses a keen eye for goal with both feet, making him unpredictable for defenders. His 1-v-1 ability is explosive, and he carries a natural goal threat, especially when attacking defenders at speed.
He showcased his finishing ability by scoring a low, driving shot against Barcelona, demonstrating his capability to deliver in high-pressure matches. Furthermore, his usefulness on the counter-attack is immense; he rectified early wastefulness in his first league match with his direct dribbling and usefulness on the counter, helping to establish Atleti’s biggest margin of victory this season.
His profile allows Atletico to play in several positions, providing versatile attacking options that Simeone can exploit. Whether he is cutting inside from the left or operating as a second striker, Lookman’s speed and agility make him a constant threat.
Ultimately, Lookman is viewed as the talisman capable of transforming Atletico’s attack. His elite skill set provides the clarity in attack that Simeone has been demanding, turning dangerous transition moments into goals and securing Atletico’s position as serious contenders for silverware this season.
