Diego Simeone explains Ademola Lookman’s No. 9 role for Atlético Madrid against Málaga, citing creativity and a shortage of available forwards

Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone explained his decision to play Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman as a No. 9 against Málaga on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, as Atlético Madrid opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory.

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Lookman was deployed through the middle in a central attacking role as Simeone reshaped his forward line because of the absence of key options.

Julián Alvarez was left out of the matchday squad, while Alexander Sørloth was unavailable through injury, leaving Simeone without two of his established attacking choices.

The situation prompted the Argentine coach to turn to Lookman, whose ability to operate across several attacking positions gave Atlético Madrid an adaptable option in the final third.

Asked whether the experiment could become a longer-term solution, Simeone pointed to the need to find creative answers to the club’s immediate attacking problems.

“Creativity. We are trying to find ways to enhance our performance,” Simeone said, according to ElDesmarque.

The Atlético Madrid manager added that the club currently lacked a forward who could contribute from the start because Alvarez was unavailable and Sørloth was injured.

“That position is crucial, and we hope to improve it,” Simeone said.

Lookman’s central deployment offers Simeone another tactical avenue as Atlético Madrid manage their attacking options.

The Nigerian forward has traditionally been comfortable in wider and more advanced positions, making his versatility particularly valuable to the Spanish side.

The decision also underlined Simeone’s willingness to adapt his attacking structure when circumstances demand it.

Rather than viewing Lookman’s role simply as a replacement for an absent striker, the experiment could give Atlético Madrid greater flexibility in how the team approaches different opponents.

For Lookman, the role provides another opportunity to demonstrate his attacking range at one of Europe’s leading clubs.

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Atlético Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Málaga gave Simeone a positive start to the campaign, but the availability of Alvarez and Sørloth will remain an important factor in determining whether Lookman’s No. 9 role becomes a recurring feature.