{
  "id": 2122680,
  "title": "LaLiga: Why I played Ademola Lookman as No.9 against Málaga – Diego Simeone",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/laliga-why-i-played-ademola-lookman-as-no-9-against-malaga-diego",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T11:27:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/20/laliga-why-i-played-ademola-lookman-as-no-9-against-malaga-diego-simeone/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Diego Simeone, head coach of Atletico Madrid, recently explained his decision to field Ademola Lookman in the No. 9 position during the team's opening match against Málaga. The Argentine tactician opted for this unconventional placement due to the absence of key attacking players and an injury to Alexander Sorloth. Julián Alvarez also did not feature in the matchday squad for the season opener. Simeone's rationale behind this strategic move centered on the need for creativity and finding ways to boost the team's performance, as expressed to Eldesmarque: \"Creativity. We are trying to find ways to enhance our performance because, at this moment, we lack a forward who can contribute from the start, as Julián was not selected and Sorloth is injured. That position is crucial, and we hope to improve it.\" Lookman's adaptability across various attacking roles provides Simeone with additional tactical options, potentially offering greater flexibility as Atletico Madrid navigates its current offensive challenges.",
  "summary": "Atletico Madrid’s head coach, Diego Simeone, has clarified his choice to use Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman in the No. 9 position during the club’s 2-0 win against Malaga in their season opener. Lookman was assigned a central attacking role as Atletico commenced their campaign with a decisive victory, with Simeone needing to explore alternative […] LaLiga: Why I played Ademola Lookman as…",
  "key_points": [
    "Diego Simeone moved Ademola Lookman to No. 9 position.",
    "Lack of key attackers and Sorloth's injury influenced the decision.",
    "Lookman's versatility offers tactical flexibility for Atletico Madrid."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}