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Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has explained his decision to deploy Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman as a No. 9 during the club’s 2-0 victory over Malaga in their opening game of the season.
Lookman was handed a central attacking role as Atletico began their campaign with a comfortable victory, with Simeone forced to consider alternative options in the absence of some of his regular attacking players.
Julián Alvarez was not called up for the match, while Alexander Sorloth was unavailable because of injury.
Simeone therefore turned to Lookman to fill the central attacking position.
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Asked whether Lookman’s role as a No. 9 was a temporary solution or something that could continue in the future, Simeone pointed to Atletico’s current options in attack.
“Creativity. Trying to look for what can make us better because we do not have at this moment a forward who can give us [something] from the beginning because Julián was not called up and Sorloth because of his injury. That position is important and we hope to be able to improve it,” he said, as quoted by Eldesmarque.
Lookman’s ability to operate in different attacking positions gives the Atletico coach another option, and his use as a No. 9 could provide greater flexibility while the club manages its current attacking situation.
