Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has expressed strong confidence in Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman, insisting the Nigerian international will improve his team, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Lookman enjoyed a dream debut for the Spanish giants, registering a goal and an assist in Atlético’s emphatic 5–0 win over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals on Thursday night. The former Atalanta star scored Atlético’s third goal and later teed up Antoine Griezmann for the fourth as Diego Simeone’s side cruised into the semi-finals.
Speaking after the game, Simeone played down any need for a long adaptation period, stressing that Lookman’s experience and qualities make him an immediate asset to the squad.
“He’s a big lad, he’s already 28 years old. He came to help us, and we hope to help him too so that he can continue to grow,” Simeone told Into The Calderon. “He has different qualities to the players we have, and he will make us better.”
The Argentine tactician was also pleased with his team’s overall performance against a tricky Betis side. According to Simeone, the breakthrough goal gave Atlético the confidence to fully impose itself on the game.
“The team played very well. Betis started well, but the goal from a set piece gave us confidence in our game. With a lot of hard work and quality play, we were able to maintain that level in the first half,” he said.
Simeone added that his players showed maturity and control after the break, while also turning attention quickly to their next challenge.
“There were important things. The team has been playing important matches, and the goal puts us in a better position. In the second half, we continued with better intentions. This isn’t stopping. We need to rest quickly because we’re playing on Sunday,” he concluded.