Atletico Madrid Manager: Why Lookman played as No. 9

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has explained his decision to deploy Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman as a No. 9 during the club’s 2-0 victory over Malaga in their opening game of the season.
Lookman was handed a central attacking role as Atletico began their campaign with a comfortable victory, with Simeone forced to consider alternative options in the absence of some of his regular attacking players.
Julián Alvarez was not called up for the match, while Alexander Sorloth was unavailable because of injury.
Simeone therefore turned to Lookman to fill the central attacking position.
Asked whether Lookman’s role as a No. 9 was a temporary solution or something that coul...