Diego Simeone has spelled out why Ademola Lookman lined up as a No. 9 when Atletico Madrid opened the season with a 2-0 win over Malaga.
The Super Eagles forward played through the middle because the usual centre-forward options were not available. Julián Alvarez was not in the squad and Alexander Sorloth sat out with injury, so Simeone asked Lookman to occupy the central role.
Asked if this was a one-off or a plan that might last, the Atletico coach pointed to the gaps in his attack right now. Creativity, he said, means looking for whatever can make the side better when there is no established striker available from the start. Alvarez was not called up and Sorloth is injured. That position matters, he added, and the club hopes to strengthen it. Zoyols News reported his comments.
Lookman’s habit of drifting across attacking roles gives Simeone another way to play while the club sorts its front line. Using him as a No. 9 may stay on the table until Alvarez returns and Sorloth is fit.
