Salomon Kalou believes Ademola Lookman had to compromise his natural attacking game during Atlético Madrid’s 2-0 Champions League quarter-final first-leg victory over Barcelona.
“In this kind of game, I am sure he didn’t enjoy the match because he had to defend more than he had to attack,” Kalou told SuperSport.
The Ivorian pundit reported that while Lookman’s strength is driving forward, the result justifies the sacrifice.
The Nigerian forward started on the left for Diego Simeone’s side at Camp Nou on April 8, as Atlético secured a crucial away win. Barcelona dominated early possession but lost defender Pau Cubarsí to a red card just before halftime. Julián Álvarez then curled in a stunning free-kick, and Alexander Sørloth added a second-half volley to leave Atlético in firm control ahead of the return leg.
Kalou, a 2012 Champions League winner with Chelsea, expressed hope for Lookman’s progress. “All Africans will be rooting for him,” he said. “I hope he will get there because he is a great player.” Atlético now carries a two-goal advantage into next week’s semi-final decider.