Lookman: not a single minute for Atlético against Barcelona

It went largely unnoticed: Ademola Lookman, one of the highest earners in the squad, did not play a single minute despite being available. The panel discusses the opportunity cost and his worrying body language against Bayern.

Rubén Uría points to something he believes has slipped under the radar: in a hugely demanding match against Barcelona, the LaLiga leaders, it was very striking that Ademola Lookman did not play a single minute. Uría also regrets that Arnau Ortiz was not brought on, as he might have been able to hurt Barça's high defensive line.

Nacho Donado recalls who was defending Barcelona's right flank and cannot understand why, when Sorloth was sent on for the long ball, nobody capable of running at defenders was introduced. Alberto Carballo goes further: "On the day of the Bayern game, watching from the stands, Lookman's body language struck him as very worrying, even the way he was walking."

Carballo adds the financial factor: "Lookman has one of the most significant salaries in the squad, and for him not to play in the most important match in the league, while available and with substitutions still left, is an opportunity cost that gives a lot of food for thought." The truth is that Lookman was not in good form, and from that point of view it is understandable that Simeone left him on the bench at the start. That is normal. What is newsworthy is that, against Barcelona, even while losing in the closing stages, Simeone chose not to turn to the Nigerian. It remains to be seen how the 'Lookman affair' develops and whether he gets any minutes after the international break.