LaLiga: We need him – Simeone sends message to Lookman ahead of Madrid Derby

Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, has called on Ademola Lookman to step up when needed against Real Madrid.

The two Madrid clubs face off in LaLiga on Sunday.

Lookman enjoyed a fine season with Atletico last season, scoring nine times and providing four assists in 24 appearances.

However, the 28-year-old has started the current campaign slowly, having started their first two league games as a centre-forward before returning to his preferred left-wing position against Sevilla.

That change immediately produced results, with Lookman scoring his first goal of the season in Atletico’s 3-1 victory over Sevilla on August 29.

However, since then, Lookman has gone four consecutive games without finding the net.

Speaking ahead of the Derby, Simeone said: “We need him, whether it’s 60, 70 minutes or whatever he plays.

“He has done us very well since he arrived and although his start to the season is not what he would have wanted, we need him.”