Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has described Ademola Lookman as a very important player after the Super Eagles forward ended his six-game goal drought in their 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Lookman came off the bench in the second half and scored in the 79th minute at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, reacting quickest to slot home the rebound after United goalkeeper Senne Lammens parried Jonathan David’s effort.
The strike was a timely boost for the Nigerian, who had scored only once in all competitions this season before facing United.
According to Transfermarkt, the goal was also his 100th at senior club level.
Speaking after the match, Simeone praised Lookman’s statistics, goalscoring ability and skill in one-on-one situations.
The Argentine said: “He is a very important player; he has very good stats, he scores goals, he is good in one-on-one situations.”
However, Simeone noted that the forward was still working towards consistently displaying his full potential, while welcoming his return to scoring form.
He added: “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.”
Atletico took the lead inside the first minute through Pablo Barrios before extending their advantage through Lookman in the second half.
Also Read
Manchester United’s task became more difficult in the 74th minute when defender Leny Yoro was sent off for fouling David as the last man.
The victory extended Atletico’s winning run to five matches, while United have now gone five games without a win.
[wpadcenter_ad id='745970' align='none']