Brought on in the 60th minute against Bayern Munich (a 2-0 defeat), Atlético Madrid forward Ademola Lookman has come in for criticism from Jesus Colino, a consultant for AS, who points to a lack of confidence and an almost non-existent offensive contribution.
Atlético Madrid went down 2-0 to Bayern Munich on Wednesday 4 November in the Champions League. Lennart Karl opened the scoring in the 54th minute, then Konrad Laimer doubled the lead in the 74th, reports Daily Post.
It was in that context that Ademola Lookman was sent on in the 60th minute in place of Alexander Sørloth. The Nigeria international forward touched the ball only 20 times and had no shot on target against the Bavarians. For him, it was the fourth time this season he had started on the bench and come on in the Champions League.
Colino points to a lack of confidence
In his ratings for Spanish daily AS, relayed by Apex Football, Jesus Colino pulls no punches. A consultant and Atlético insider, he points to a lack of confidence and an almost non-existent offensive contribution. His verdict is blunt: “Lacking confidence, he couldn’t manage a single dribble and barely contributed in a few runs down the left.”
This is a pundit’s assessment, not a position taken by Atlético. It nonetheless chimes with the match stats: 20 touches, no shots on target, and a presence limited to a few runs down the left flank, according to the quote.
A goal and an assist in Europe earlier on
The contrast with previous games is stark. Before this poor performance, Lookman had scored against Manchester United and provided an assist in Atlético’s draw with Stuttgart in the Champions League, according to Daily Post.
Those two contributions stand in sharp contrast to the night against Bayern.
La Liga the place to answer on the pitch
Atlético’s next match comes in La Liga, a competition in which Lookman is looking to win back a starting place. Coached by Diego Simeone, the Madrid club must now bounce back after this European defeat.
The Nigerian will therefore have the chance to answer Jesus Colino’s criticism on the pitch, by confirming or otherwise the signs he showed in the Champions League against Manchester United and Stuttgart.