Simeone challenges Lookman to improve all-round game at Atletico

Diego Simeone believes Ademola Lookman has plenty more to offer Atletico Madrid, despite the forward's fantastic goalscoring start.

Lookman continued his impressive start to life in LaLiga by scoring in Atletico's 4-2 victory over Espanyol on Saturday.

The Nigeria international has scored four goals in his first six appearances at Atleti in all competitions, equalling the best such record at the club, taking into account data since 2013-14, set by Luis Suarez in 2020-21.

Nevertheless, Simeone has called on his attacker to offer more defensively, yet praised his willingness to learn.

"Above all, he contributes goals. In principle, more goals than playmaking," Simeone told Movistar.

"He can improve both his overall play and his defensive work; we need him to adapt to the team's style of play, and I see him eager and keen to improve.

"Since he arrived, he's said he wants to improve as a footballer. His goal-scoring instinct isn't a coincidence, and we need more of him in terms of overall play."

Alexander Sorloth both started and ended Atleti's scoring at Riyadh Air Metropolitano, while Giuliano Simeone also contributed with a goal.

Giuliano Simeone has been involved in 14 goals in all competitions this season (six goals, eight assists), one more than in the whole of last season (13 – five goals, eight assists).

"There were many positive aspects," added the Atleti boss on the result as a whole.

"We started by conceding a goal, but that didn't faze the team; they kept pushing for the kind of game we wanted.

"We were the dominant force throughout the match. The team's overall performance allowed us to play the way we wanted.

"It was an important and much-needed victory, especially in the league, and a great collective effort."