Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has hailed Ademola Lookman as a very important player after the Super Eagles forward ended a six-game goal drought in the 2-0 win over Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Lookman came on in the second half and scored in the 79th minute at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. He was quickest to react and slotted in the rebound after United goalkeeper Senne Lammens parried a shot from Jonathan David.
The 28-year-old had scored only once in all competitions this season before facing United. The strike was also his 100th senior club goal, according to Transfermarkt.
Speaking after the game, Simeone praised the forward’s numbers and his ability to take on defenders.
“He is a very important player; he has very good stats, he scores goals, he is good in one-on-one situations,” the Argentine said.
He added that Lookman is still working towards showing his full potential consistently.
“He is not at that point where that comes through, but he has rediscovered his scoring touch. He had the instinct to follow up the play and the rebound worked in his favour. We got the win we needed,” he said.
Atletico took the lead inside the first minute through Pablo Barrios and sealed the win after United’s Leny Yoro was sent off in the 74th minute for a foul on David as the last man.
The result extended Atletico’s winning run to five matches, while United have now gone five games without a victory.
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