Real Betis vs Atletico Madrid: Lookman is a grown man — Simeone showers Super Eagles star with praise after triumphant debut

Atletico Madrid’s head coach, Diego Simeone, singled out Ademola Lookman for praise after his excellent debut in the Copa del Rey quarter-final triumph against Real Betis.

Los Rojiblancos advanced into the semi-final of the competition after a 5-0 victory against Real Betis at La Cartuja, a complete performance which featured a goal, an assist and a pre-assist from Ademola Lookman.

Lookman joined Atlético on the winter transfer window deadline day. He joined training immediately, and Simeone felt confident in his abilities to give him his debut against Betis.

Speaking after the game, the Atletico explained that Lookman was a veteran and did not need an adaptation period. He noted that the Super Eagles star had unique qualities from other players in their squad and expressed confidence in Lookman’s ability to improve the team.

“He doesn't need an adaptation time. He’s a big lad; he’s already 28 years old,” Simeone said, per Atletico Universe.

“He came to help us, and we hope to help him too so that he can continue to grow. He has different qualities than the players we have, and he will make us better.”

An elated Simeone also  praised his team’s performance, and analysed the aspects in which they excelled as they demolished a typically sturdy Betis side.

“The team played very well. Betis had started well, but the goal from a set piece gave us confidence in our game. With a lot of hard work and quality play, we were able to maintain that level in the first half,” he said.

“There were important things. The team has been playing important matches, and the goal puts us in a better position. In the second half, we continued with better intentions. This isn’t stopping. We need to rest quickly because we’re playing on Sunday.

“We don’t just stick to one way of playing. The team is prepared to play in different ways, and that’s what we’re going for.