The Lookman problem: why Atlético's Nigerian has lost his place

Against Barcelona, the Nigerian did not play a single minute. Last season he was undroppable in Simeone's starting XI, but right now he has lost his place in the side and his performances are not in keeping with his quality. What is going on?

Exactly a week ago, Diego Pablo Simeone said this about Ademola Lookman: "The truth is I think his season hasn't started the way he would have liked, but Julián also went through a difficult moment last year and came out of it; and Griezmann, do you remember that spell when he wasn't scoring? In the end, he came through it. This is about work, about believing in what you do," the Argentine coach explained at the time. However, in the match against Barcelona, Simeone chose not to give the Nigerian a single minute, even when Barcelona moved Frenkie De Jong to right-back. Lookman had featured in every game this season. Against Barcelona, he did not play a single minute.

Below-par performances... after a flying start

The Nigerian arrived in the winter transfer window to become a game-changer in the second half of the season. He was an undisputed starter, put on a spectacular display against Betis in the Copa del Rey, and scored key goals against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and in the final itself against Real Sociedad, finishing with 9 goals and 5 assists in 24 games in red and white. But the plain truth is that this season... something is up with Lookman. In fact, he has lost his starting spot to Álex Baena, who operates in his area of the pitch, and in terms of numbers, he has managed just two goals and one assist so far this season.

Has Lookman lost his confidence? Is he no longer 'untouchable' for the boss? Perhaps the Julián Alvarez saga is drawing so much media attention that nobody is noticing that Ademola no longer shines the way he used to and that, in this early part of the season, he is having little impact. There is plenty of talk about the 'Julián case', but the truth is that a 'Lookman case' is starting to emerge. And the Nigerian, who is a top player, will also need to be won back for the cause.