Valencia striker Sadiq Umar has declared that LaLiga and the football world are about to witness the true quality of Nigeria teammate Ademola Lookman following his Deadline Day switch to Atlético Madrid.
Lookman completed a high profile move to Diego Simeone’s side last week and immediately announced himself with a goal and an assist in Atleti’s 5-0 Copa del Rey demolition of Real Betis.
Speaking to Sporty TV, Umar, who knows the demands of Spanish football firsthand, backed his international colleague to shine on one of the game’s biggest stages.
“I’m happy to see him coming here to La Liga because I think this is the best league in the world, and the best league should have the best players,” Umar said.
“Ademola Lookman is one of the best players right now, and it’s time for La Liga to get to know him. The world will also see who he really is. I’ll wish him all the best and I’ll get to see him soon.”
The former Africa Footballer of the Year’s instant impact at the Metropolitano has already sparked excitement, proving he can adapt quickly to Simeone’s intense demands. His debut performance suggested he could be the dynamic, goal threatening wide player Atleti have lacked at times this season.
With an immediate rematch against Betis looming on Sunday in LaLiga, Lookman is in line to make his first league start for his new club. It offers the perfect platform to justify Umar’s bold claim and show a global audience that he belongs among the elite in one of Europe’s most technical and tactical divisions.
If his cup cameo was a preview, LaLiga defenders have been put on notice. The stage is set for Lookman to prove his compatriot right.
