By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Former Nigeria international Odion Ighalo has expressed strong confidence in Ademola Lookman’s move to Atlético Madrid, insisting that working under Diego Simeone will significantly enhance the forward’s development and elevate his career.
Speaking in a recent interview cited by JerseyNumber12, Ighalo described Simeone as a “tactical and intelligent coach,” stressing that the Argentine’s demanding style and strategic discipline make Atlético Madrid an ideal environment for Lookman to flourish.
“Playing under Diego Simeone will benefit Ademola Lookman. Simeone is a tactical and intelligent coach,” Ighalo said. “I consider this transfer to Atlético Madrid to be a major step forward in his career.”
Lookman’s move to the Spanish giants follows a period of remarkable growth in Europe, where he established himself as one of Africa’s most influential attacking players through consistent performances at club and continental level.
Ighalo, who enjoyed a successful career in Europe and with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, believes the transition to Atlético Madrid represents more than just a change of club—it is a step into an elite tactical system known for developing complete, disciplined forwards.
Under Simeone, Atlético Madrid have built a reputation for defensive solidity, tactical organization, and extracting peak performance from attacking players willing to adapt to the team’s intense style of play.
Lookman’s versatility, pace, and improved tactical awareness are expected to fit well within Simeone’s structure, which demands both attacking efficiency and defensive commitment from wide players and forwards.
The Nigerian forward’s recent performances have already demonstrated his capacity to influence high-stakes matches, strengthening belief among former professionals like Ighalo that he is ready for the challenge of competing at one of Europe’s most demanding clubs.
With Atlético Madrid competing domestically and in Europe, Lookman now faces one of the defining chapters of his career—one that Ighalo believes could transform him into an even more complete and dominant force on the global stage.
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