Ademola Lookman slammed by Atletico Madrid insider after second consecutive half-time substitution

Ademola Lookman has come under criticism from Atletico Madrid insider Sergio Picos after another subdued performance in the club’s 1-0 La Liga victory over Espanyol on Saturday.

The Nigeria international was withdrawn at half-time for the second consecutive league match, with manager Diego Simeone replacing him with fellow forward Julián Alvarez as Atletico searched for a breakthrough at the RCDE Stadium.

Alvarez went on to influence the outcome, providing the assist for Álex Baena’s decisive goal in the 89th minute to secure all three points for the visitors.

Lookman’s latest setback comes amid a difficult start to the season, with the former African Footballer of the Year struggling to reproduce the attacking form that made him an influential figure for Atletico.

Picos questioned the forward’s confidence, movement and willingness to take on defenders during his first-half appearance, suggesting he must raise his level to retain his place in Simeone’s starting line-up.

“He’s not there. He had the opportunity in the starting eleven, but he doesn’t look confident taking on defenders,” Picos wrote in his player ratings for AS.

“He also lacks dynamism and movement that could offer his team an outlet.

“He was very subdued in the first half again before being substituted. He needs to improve.”

Lookman struggles to make his mark

The criticism reflects the difficulties Lookman has encountered in establishing consistent form during the early stages of the campaign.

The forward has recorded just two goal involvements in 11 appearances across all competitions, a return that underlines his struggles to make a decisive contribution in Atletico’s attack.

Saturday’s outing offered another opportunity to impress Simeone, but Lookman failed to do enough to remain on the pitch beyond the interval.

His substitution also extended an unwanted pattern, having been taken off at half-time in Atletico’s previous La Liga fixture.

For a player expected to provide attacking thrust and creativity, his limited influence against Espanyol will raise further questions about his current form.

Picos’ assessment centred on Lookman’s apparent reluctance to challenge defenders in one-on-one situations, alongside a lack of movement that restricted his ability to offer an effective attacking outlet.

Those shortcomings have become particularly significant as Atletico seek greater consistency in the final third.

Alvarez and Baena deliver late winner

While Lookman struggled to influence proceedings, Simeone’s decision to introduce Alvarez proved effective.

The Argentina international helped Atletico maintain their attacking threat after the interval and ultimately played a decisive role in securing victory.

With the contest approaching its conclusion, Alvarez set up Baena for an 89th-minute winner that settled a closely fought encounter and handed Atletico a valuable away victory.

The goal highlighted the impact Atletico’s substitutes can make, contrasting with Lookman’s inability to capitalise on his starting opportunity.

Simeone will now have to assess his attacking options ahead of Atletico’s next fixture, with Lookman’s recent performances likely to intensify competition for places.

Nigeria forward faces fight to regain form

Lookman’s difficulties at club level have also coincided with a quiet spell for Nigeria.

The forward failed to score in the Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau last month.

He has started eight of Atletico’s 11 matches across all competitions this season, accumulating 600 minutes on the pitch.

Although he has continued to receive opportunities from Simeone, his limited attacking output and consecutive half-time withdrawals suggest he must improve to secure a more consistent role.

Lookman will hope to rediscover the confidence and attacking sharpness that have characterised his best performances as he attempts to silence his critics and strengthen his position at Atletico Madrid.