Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has offered insight into working under Diego Simeone, his crucial goal against FC Barcelona, and his growing admiration for teammates Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez.

The Nigeria international, who joined Atlético Madrid from Atalanta during the winter transfer window, has quickly become an influential figure for the Rojiblancos across domestic and European competitions.

Lookman was once again decisive in the UEFA Champions League second-leg clash against Barcelona, scoring a crucial goal that helped Atlético secure a 3-2 aggregate victory and progress to the semi-finals, despite a 2-1 defeat on the night at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

After Barcelona took an early lead through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, Lookman responded with a well-taken finish, latching onto a precise delivery from Marcos Llorente.

Reflecting on the goal in an interview with ESPN, Lookman highlighted the role of Griezmann in the buildup.

"I think the pass to Griezmann makes the play and his touch is amazing," he said. "So it opens the space for Marcos to run into and for me to just sprint as fast as I can to get to the end of the cross, which I did."

The 28-year-old also spoke glowingly about Griezmann, describing the French forward as a football icon whose presence has been invaluable.

"He is a legend in football for what he has brought to the game and what he represents," Lookman revealed. 

"Training with him every since day, you think wow. There have been moments when I think, maybe he can stay a bit longer here.

"To be able to see that closer here is something that you appreciate. It is an absolute pleasure."

On life under Simeone, Lookman acknowledged the Argentine’s relentless demand for improvement, noting that the manager expects contributions in every phase of play.

"More of everything, I think defending and attacking, helping the team in certain moments and being part of play," he added. 

"I think everything, he demands more of me. For me, that's a pleasure because you have somebody there pushing you.

"He sees more in you and wants more from you. That's just for me to keep working hard on the training field and keep on demanding more of myself.

"It is what I want to do. I want to be able to do more and I am looking forward to it."

 Lookman also reserved praise for Álvarez, emphasizing the forward’s clinical edge and influence on the team.

"He has the ability to make play but more often when he shoots he scores because he is decisive.

"A player who makes the difference. He is somebody you want to play with. He is somebody who helps the team and helps you."

The Nigerian International also lauded the overall quality and style of play in La Liga, describing it as a technically rich environment.

"It is nice and incredible. The technical capabilities of everyone here is top."

"With the ball, everybody wants to play a certain type of football here and everyone wants to get a feel of the ball, which is good. "It is the game - how they see it. To me, it is the best way to play football," he concluded. 

Adeyemi Adewale