Super Eagles: Why Lookman is struggling at Atlético Madrid — 2 factors explained

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has endured a difficult start to the season at Spanish giants Atlético Madrid, struggling to reproduce the form he showed after joining the club last winter.

Lookman moved to Atlético Madrid from Italian side Atalanta during the winter transfer window following an impressive spell in Bergamo. 

The Nigerian forward made an immediate impact after arriving in Spain, scoring important goals and helping Atlético reach the Copa del Rey final and the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, where they eventually lost to Arsenal.

However, his fortunes have changed this season. Lookman has scored just once in nine games across all competitions and his performances have also been underwhelming, with the 28-year-old struggling to reproduce the attacking threat he showed in the second half of last season. 

He endured another disappointing outing in Atlético Madrid’s 2-1 win over Alaves llast weekend, when he was substituted at half-time.

Two factors behind Lookman’s struggles at Atlético Madrid 

1. Different roles this season has affected Lookman

One major factor behind Lookman’s struggles is the change in his role within the Atlético Madrid team.

At Atalanta, the Super Eagles star primarily operated as a left winger, where he could use his pace and movement to trouble defenders, while he was also able to create goalscoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

However, his role at Atlético have changed. With Antoine Griezmann’s departure and the uncertainty surrounding Julián Álvarez, Lookman has been required to take on a more advanced role in the attack.

He has featured in different positions rather than consistently playing in his preferred role on the left wing. While his versatility gives Atlético more options in attack, the changes have also required him to adjust to different responsibilities in the final third.

Lookman is still adapting to these demands, and that could be affecting his ability to produce the same level of attacking output he showed last season.

His only league goal this season came when he played on the left wing in Atlético’s 3-1 win over Sevilla in August and that goal offered a reminder of what he can bring when he operates in his preferred role. 

2. Atlético Madrid’s tactical demands

Another factor that could explain Lookman’s struggles is the tactical approach at Atlético Madrid and the demands placed on their attacking players.

At Atlético, he is expected to contribute significantly without the ball, helping out the defence and also tracking back as well, compared to when he was at Atalanta..

This difference has affected his game play and the Super Eagles forward now needs to find the right balance to become a more consistent performer for the Spanish club. 

Super Eagles star must rediscover best form

The Super Eagles forward, who is no longer the most valuable African footballer in Spain, will be eager to turn his situation around and rediscover the form that made him such a very important player after his arrival at Atlético Madrid.

The 28-year-old has already shown his quality, but he needs to become more consistent if he is to maintain his place in the starting line-up.

Lookman could get another chance to respond when Atlético Madrid face Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday and he would be hoping to make the most of his opportunity in the encounter.