Former Watford forward Troy Deeney has credited Diego Simeone’s setup at Atletico Madrid for Nigerian superstar Ademola Lookman’s fast start at the club, SportPremi reports.
Lookman, 28, has enjoyed a sensational start to his career in Spain, since completing a €40 million move from Italian side Atalanta during the winter transfer window.
The Super Eagles forward has scored three times and provided two assists, taking his goal contributions to five from five matches across all competitions.
The 28-year-old scored on his debut in a 5-0 win over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals earlier this month and continued his fine form against Club Brugge in Wednesday’s Champions League clash with a goal in the 3-3 draw.
Lookman has now scored twice in the Spanish Cup and once in the Champions League for Los Rojiblancos, although he continues to wait for his first in La Liga.
Deeney reveals reason for Lookman’s fast impact at Atletico Madrid
Troy Deeney, who now works as a pundit, has been impressed with Lookman’s impact so far since moving to Atletico Madrid.
According to the former Watford striker, Diego Simeone’s tactical setup has helped the Nigerian adapt easily at the club.
“Lookman’s loan spell at Fulham in 2020 as an example of what happens when a player is not given the right environment,” Deeney revealed.
“At one point in England, though, he never got the trust when he was at Fulham. They never gave him that feeling of, ‘This is your position, do not worry if you make a mistake, we will give you the ball again.’
“I remember him. He tried to do a Panenka. He missed it, and he was gone. That was him out the door”, he continued.
“He is the kind of guy that, yes, he has spark, but he needs structure. He needs to know who, what, where, and why. You get that at Atletico Madrid. There is no grey area. And I think it is a perfect fit for both him and the team,” Deeney concluded.
Lookman will be hoping to open his account in the La Liga when Atletico Madrid welcome Espanyol to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the second leg of their playoff encounter against Club Brugge will hold next week, with both sides hoping for a win to advance to the Round of 16.
