Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has praised Ademola Lookman following his impressive showing in the club’s UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Arsenal.
The Spanish side played out a 1-1 draw with Mikel Arteta’s men in the first leg at the Metropolitano on Wednesday night, in a game that had everything tension, chances and drama.
Arsenal went ahead just before the break after Viktor Gyökeres converted from the penalty spot, but Atletico responded in the second half, with Julian Alvarez also scoring from 12 yards to level things.
Lookman was one of Atletico’s brightest players on the night.
The Nigerian forward came close on more than one occasion, forcing saves from David Raya and constantly asking questions of the Arsenal defence. His movement, direct runs and willingness to take players on gave Atletico a different edge in attack.
But it wasn’t just about what he did going forward.
He also put in the work defensively, tracking back and helping the team stay compact something Simeone clearly appreciated.
“I loved Lookman’s game; we’re getting an important player to understand that his defensive work helps us,” Simeone was quoted as saying.
Since arriving in Madrid, Lookman has been settling in quickly, and performances like this show why the club brought him in. He’s not just playing ;he’s contributing.
With the second leg still to come, Atletico will be counting on him again as they look to finish the job and book a place in the final.
For Lookman, this is the stage he has worked for.
And right now, he looks ready for it.
