Former Super Eagles Coach Peseiro Identifies Ademola Lookman's Prime Position
A former coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, has publicly shared his insights on the best tactical role for Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian international forward, just ahead of a crucial Copa del Rey semi-final match. Atletico Madrid is set to clash with Barcelona on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium, with the return leg scheduled for March 3 at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Peseiro's Analysis of Lookman's Strengths
According to Peseiro, who previously managed the Super Eagles, Lookman's greatest asset lies in his exceptional footwork and ability to create scoring opportunities. The Portuguese tactician, now coaching Al-Ula, emphasized that while Lookman typically operates on the wing, his most effective position is 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."
Peseiro further explained that Lookman's versatility and skill set make him a formidable player, particularly in behind defenses, as demonstrated during his debut for Atletico Madrid. In that match, Lookman scored a goal and provided an assist, contributing to a 5-0 victory over Real Betis in the quarter-finals. Barcelona, on the other hand, secured their semi-final spot with a 2-1 win against Albacete.
Freedom and Adaptation Key to Lookman's Success
Peseiro stressed the importance of giving Lookman the freedom to express his creativity on the field. He noted that Lookman's impressive performance shortly after joining Atletico Madrid highlights his quality and adaptability. "Playing like this just three days after arriving can only be explained by his quality," Peseiro remarked. "We need to be patient because he still has to adapt, but it's already clear that he doesn't feel pressure. By giving him freedom and embracing his audacity and creativity, Lookman has the potential to enjoy great seasons and make his mark at Atletico."
In the current 2025/26 season, Lookman has recorded 11 goals and nine assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, underscoring his impact and consistency as a key player for his team.
Barcelona's Strategy to Counter Lookman
In response to Lookman's threat, Barcelona's head coach, Hansi Flick, has expressed confidence in defender Jules Kounde's ability to handle the Nigerian forward. Flick acknowledged Atletico Madrid's collective strength and disciplined structure, warning that Lookman's presence adds complexity to an already challenging tactical battle. He emphasized the need for Barcelona to remain compact and alert against quick transitions, as reported by beIN Sports.
Additionally, Atletico Madrid's manager, Diego Simeone, has previously praised Lookman's versatility, noting that he offers a different skill set compared to other attackers on the team. Simeone revealed that Lookman's best position aligns with Peseiro's assessment, further validating the former coach's analysis ahead of this high-stakes semi-final encounter.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal match, the insights from Peseiro and the strategies from coaches Flick and Simeone will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Football fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Lookman performs in his recommended role and whether Barcelona can effectively neutralize his threat.
