Atletico Madrid’s head coach, Diego Simeone, has clarified his choice to use Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman in the No. 9 position during the club’s 2-0 win against Malaga in their season opener.

Lookman was assigned a central attacking role as Atletico commenced their campaign with a decisive victory, with Simeone needing to explore alternative options due to the absence of several regular attacking players.

Julián Alvarez was not included in the matchday squad, and Alexander Sorloth was sidelined due to injury.

Consequently, Simeone opted for Lookman to occupy the central attacking role.

When questioned about whether Lookman’s position as a No. 9 was a temporary or a potential long-term strategy, Simeone said,

“Creativity. We are trying to find ways to enhance our performance because, at this moment, we lack a forward who can contribute from the start, as Julián was not selected and Sorloth is injured. That position is crucial, and we hope to improve it,” he stated, as reported by Eldesmarque.

Lookman’s versatility in various attacking roles provides the Atletico coach with additional options, and his deployment as a No. 9 may offer increased flexibility while the club navigates its current attacking challenges.