Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has explained his decision to deploy Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman as a central striker during the club’s opening La Liga fixture against Malaga, revealing that the tactical experiment was largely driven by a shortage of recognised attacking options.
Lookman started as the lone No. 9 and completed the full 90 minutes as Atletico Madrid began their 2026/27 league campaign with a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Malaga. The Nigerian international produced two shots on target and forced an excellent save from the opposition goalkeeper as Simeone’s side eventually secured all three points.
The decision immediately attracted attention because Lookman is more naturally associated with a wide attacking role. Throughout much of his career, the 28 year old has operated from the wings or in a supporting attacking position where his pace, dribbling ability and movement allow him to attack defenders and create opportunities.
However, Simeone opted for a different approach in Atletico’s first competitive match of the new season.
The Argentine coach was without some of his preferred attacking options, leaving him with limited choices for the central striker position. Julian Alvarez was not included in the squad, while Alexander Sorloth was unavailable because of injury. That situation forced Simeone to find an alternative solution, and Lookman was selected to lead the line.
Speaking after the match, Simeone suggested that the decision was about finding creativity and making the most of the players available to him rather than immediately establishing Lookman as a permanent centre forward.
“Creativity. Trying to look for what can make us better because we do not have at this moment a forward who can give us something from the beginning,” Simeone explained, according to comments reported by El Desmarque.
The Atletico boss added that the striker position remains an important area for the team and indicated that the club hopes to improve its options in that department.
For Lookman, however, the tactical switch could prove significant even if it was initially born out of necessity.
The Nigerian has developed a reputation as one of the most versatile attackers in European football. His ability to play across the frontline gives Simeone another tactical weapon, particularly during matches in which Atletico need more pace and movement in the final third.
Rather than relying solely on a traditional target man, Lookman can offer a different profile. His quick acceleration allows him to attack space behind defenders, while his close control makes him capable of receiving the ball under pressure. He can also move away from the central channel to create space for midfield runners or wide players.
Those qualities may have influenced Simeone’s decision to experiment with him in the role.
Lookman also enters the new campaign with considerable confidence following a remarkable period in his career. The Nigerian became an established European star during his time with Atalanta, where his performances earned him widespread recognition and helped him develop into one of the most dangerous attacking players in Serie A.
His career has included spells with Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester City before his move to Italy, with each experience contributing to his development as a more complete attacker.
His most memorable breakthrough came with Atalanta, particularly during the club’s 2023/24 Europa League triumph. Lookman scored a historic hat trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen as Atalanta secured their first major European trophy. That performance elevated his profile considerably and demonstrated his ability to deliver on the biggest occasions.
His success at club level has also translated to the international stage with Nigeria. Lookman has become an important figure for the Super Eagles and was one of the country’s standout performers during their run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
His arrival at Atletico Madrid therefore represented another major step in his career.
Simeone’s decision to use him centrally could give the Nigerian another dimension to his game. If he becomes comfortable playing with his back to goal, timing runs between centre backs and occupying central scoring positions, he could become even more difficult for defenders to handle.
At the same time, the role comes with challenges.
Playing as a traditional No. 9 requires different movements and responsibilities from those expected of a winger. Lookman will have to compete physically with central defenders, hold up possession and consistently position himself inside the penalty area.
His opening performance against Malaga was encouraging, but it remains too early to determine whether the experiment will become a regular feature of Atletico’s tactical setup.
The situation surrounding Alvarez could also have a major influence. The Argentine was left out of the opening match amid continuing transfer speculation, although Simeone insisted that his absence was related to fitness and preparation following his international commitments. The Atletico manager has described Alvarez as an important player around whom he wants to build his team.
Sorloth’s injury further complicates the situation.
Until Atletico have their preferred attacking options fully available, Lookman could continue to receive opportunities through the middle.
For Nigerian football supporters, the development is particularly intriguing. A more central role could potentially increase Lookman’s goal involvement while giving him another position to operate in for both club and country.
Atletico’s next La Liga assignment comes against Villarreal on Sunday, providing another opportunity for Simeone to decide whether Lookman should continue as a central attacker or return to a wider position.
Whatever happens next, Simeone’s experiment has already opened an interesting chapter in Lookman’s Atletico Madrid career.
The Nigerian may have entered the season as a winger, but his manager has now shown that he sees him as something more than that.
And if Lookman can turn his versatility into consistent goals from the centre, Atletico may have unexpectedly discovered another solution to their attacking problems.
