Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has refused to downplay the importance of Ademola Lookman to his team, despite benching the Super Eagles star in one of their most crucial fixtures of the season.

Lookman came off the bench in the Madrid derby last weekend, with Simeone starting World Cup winner Álex Baena on the left wing ahead of the Nigerian international.

Atleti, however, went on to win the derby 2-1, courtesy of goals from Álex Grimaldo and Jonathan David. Antonio Rüdiger came off the bench to score the consolation for Los Blancos late in the game.

Lookman was introduced in the 67th minute, replacing Baena after his side were already cruising by two goals to nil.

The 28-year-old, however, could not make any meaningful contribution to the team before Rüdiger reduced the deficit late in the game.

Speaking in his post-match reaction, Simeone insisted that the team needs Lookman regardless of the number of minutes he spends on the pitch.

“We needed the talent of Koke, a little more freshness from Julián, and that Lookman entered better than he did,” Simeone said, according to Fichajes.

“He is a footballer who has a profile that we don’t have much. He is the most decisive in one-on-one situations on the edge of the box,” Simeone said before the game.

Lookman is currently on national duty with the Super Eagles as the team prepares for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

WDN