Speaking at the post-match press conference following his side's 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in the Madrid derby, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone praised Ademola Lookman for his work ethic and tactical development.

Thirty-three minutes into the match, the winter signing from Atalanta completed a move he had initiated, calmly slotting the ball home from close range after he was fed by Giuliano Simeone.

Lookman has shown a remarkable knack for scoring on his debuts since joining the Rojiblancos, finding the net in his first Madrid derby, just as he did on his Copa del Rey and Champions League debuts for the club.

Eleven minutes into the second half, Simeone made a triple substitution, with Lookman, Griezmann, and Johnny Cardoso replaced by Sorloth, Nahuel Molina and Nico González.

Assessing the performance of the Nigeria international against Los Blancos, the Argentine tactician noted that the forward contributed offensively and he's improving defensively.

In quotes relayed by Futbol Fantasy, Simeone stated: "Well, Lookman is improving, he's been working very hard. The truth is, he's been giving us different things in attack, and we need him that way.

"We're also helping him develop defensively so he can help us work on our defense, which he's already capable of because he's a kid with a huge heart and an incredible willingness to learn and improve.

"So that's fantastic, and hopefully he'll continue to give us important things like he did today."

Lookman has now registered nine goal involvements (5 goals, 4 assists) in fourteen all-competition appearances for Atletico Madrid. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: atleticodemadrid.com