Not just Lookman: Simeone makes demand of Atletico's new-look frontline

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has emphasised that his side will not rely solely on new star signing Ademola Lookman to deliver the goods upfront.

Lookman joined Atletico last week in a high-profile €40m deal, becoming just the second Nigerian player in history to represent Los Colchoneros.

The forward enjoyed a dream debut on Thursday, partnering Antoine Griezmann in attack during Atletico’s dominant 5–0 thrashing of Real Betis in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

In that match, Lookman proved his worth immediately, scoring a clinical third goal and providing a superb assist for Griezmann’s fourth.

However, with Atletico set to face the same opponents again in league action, Simeone was quick to praise the collective effort of his squad rather than focusing on individuals.

“Well, we'll try little by little to get to know each other,” Simeone said in an interview with Esto es Atleti.

“I consider that all matches are not the same. The Levante and Betis games are different. The players on each team are different."

The Argentine tactician insisted that defensive solidity and contributions from across the pitch remain the foundation of his philosophy:

“We do not depend on just Griezmann, Lookman, Sorloth, and Julian [Alvarez]. We depend on the whole team; the set pieces. They are not only worth the goals of the forwards,” the manager concluded.

Following his historic debut, where he became the first Atleti player since 2013 to record both a goal and an assist on his first start, the Nigerian is expected to make his official La Liga debut on Sunday against Real Betis at the Wanda Metropolitano.