Ademola Lookman is a perfect fit for Atletico Madrid – Former England striker Troy Deeney

Former England forward Troy Deeney has praised Ademola Lookman for the bright start he has made to life at Atlético Madrid.

The Nigeria international completed a €35 million switch from Atalanta BC during the winter transfer window and has quickly established himself as an influential figure in Diego Simeone’s side.

Lookman underlined his growing importance by netting his first Champions League goal for Atlético in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Club Brugge KV in the first leg of their knockout play-off at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

The 28-year-old reacted sharply to steer Antoine Griezmann’s flicked header into an unguarded net just before the break, taking his tally to three goals and two assists in five appearances for the Spanish outfit.

Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, Deeney argued that Lookman is flourishing under Simeone’s disciplined system, describing the Argentine’s structured approach as the ideal environment for the forward’s development.

“He is the kind of guy that, yes, he has spark, but he needs structure. He needs to know who, what, where, and why. You get that at Atletico Madrid. There is no grey area. And I think it is a perfect fit for both him and the team,” Deeney said.

Deeney contrasted Lookman’s current progress with his difficult loan spell at Fulham FC in 2020, suggesting a lack of trust hampered his growth at the time. He referenced the infamous failed Panenka penalty as a turning point.

“At one point in England, he never got the trust when he was at Fulham. They never gave him that feeling of, ‘This is your position, do not worry if you make a mistake, we will give you the ball again.’ I remember him. He tried to do a Panenka. He missed it, and he was gone. That was him out the door,” Deeney said.

Lookman will be aiming to maintain his strong form when Atlético welcome RCD Espanyol to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano tonight.