Former Super Eagles Coach Peseiro Reveals Ademola Lookman's Best Position
A former Super Eagles coach has publicly identified the most effective position for Nigerian international Ademola Lookman to operate in, just as Atletico Madrid prepares to face Barcelona in a crucial Copa del Rey semifinal clash. The insights come ahead of the highly anticipated match scheduled for later tonight, February 12, at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
Lookman's Impact and Peseiro's Analysis
Jose Peseiro, the former coach of Nigeria's national team, has emphasized that Ademola Lookman can maximize his potential if deployed as a striker by Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone. Peseiro highlighted Lookman's exceptional footwork as his greatest asset, noting that the player excels in creating imbalances and making diagonal runs when positioned on the wing. However, he firmly believes that Lookman's true effectiveness shines through when he operates in the inside channels as a striker.
"On the wing, he creates imbalance and makes good diagonal runs, but his best position is as a striker," Peseiro stated. "He's very decisive when operating in the inside channels because that's where he shoots, dribbles, or provides assists. His greatest strength is his footwork, although he is also very strong in behind, as we saw on his debut. That's another quality that can cause problems for Barcelona."
Lookman's Debut Performance and Season Statistics
Ademola Lookman made a memorable debut for Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Real Betis, contributing a goal and an assist in a commanding 5-0 victory. This performance underscored his immediate impact since joining the club. Throughout the 2025/26 season, Lookman has accumulated impressive statistics, recording 11 goals and nine assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.
Peseiro further elaborated on the need for Simeone to grant Lookman the freedom to express his creativity on the field. "Playing like this just three days after arriving can only be explained by his quality. We need to be patient because he still has to adapt, but it's already clear that he doesn't feel pressure," Peseiro remarked. "By giving him freedom and embracing his audacity and creativity, Lookman has the potential to enjoy great seasons and make his mark at Atletico."
Barcelona's Strategy and Upcoming Fixtures
On the opposing side, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has expressed confidence in defender Jules Kounde's ability to neutralize Lookman's threat during the semifinal encounter. Flick acknowledged Atletico Madrid's overall strength and disciplined structure, warning that Lookman's presence adds an extra layer of complexity to the tactical battle. The return leg of this Copa del Rey semifinal is set to take place at the Spotify Camp Nou on March 3, following tonight's initial showdown.
Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid's manager, had previously praised Lookman's versatility and unique skill set, describing him as a player who offers various attacking options different from the team's existing forwards. This endorsement aligns with Peseiro's observations, reinforcing the strategic importance of Lookman's role in the upcoming matches.
The Copa del Rey semifinal between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona promises to be a thrilling contest, with Ademola Lookman's positioning and performance likely to be a key factor in determining the outcome. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Simeone utilizes the Nigerian star in this high-stakes fixture.
