Ademola Lookman arrived at Atlético Madrid with momentum, reputation and a clear sense that he could matter straight away. For a while, he did. After moving from Atalanta during the winter transfer window last winter, the 28-year-old scored important goals and helped Atlético Madrid reach the Copa del Rey final and the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. That is exactly why this start to the season feels so underwhelming: just one goal in nine games across all competitions is not the output of a player holding his place with confidence.
There is no point pretending this is merely a blip that can be ignored. Lookman was substituted at half-time in Atlético Madrid’s 2-1 win over Alaves last weekend, which is never a flattering sign for an attacker trying to establish rhythm. He did at least score his only league goal of the campaign in August, in the 3-1 win over Sevilla, but that has become the exception rather than the beginning of a trend. For a player who arrived in Spain after proving he could deliver in big moments, the numbers so far this season are simply too thin.
What has changed for Lookman?
The biggest issue appears to be the shift in role. At Atalanta, Lookman was used primarily as a left winger. At Atlético Madrid, he has been asked to operate in more advanced and varied positions, with greater tactical demands placed on him throughout games. That includes more work without the ball and a bigger responsibility to track back defensively. In theory, that kind of adjustment can make a player more complete. In practice, it can also blunt the very instincts that made him so effective in the first place.
That is the uncomfortable truth here. This is not about whether Lookman has enough quality. He clearly does. It is about whether Atlético Madrid are getting the best version of him in a system that expects more all-round labour and, at the moment, less final-third freedom. When a forward goes from looking like a decisive weapon to looking like a player searching for his best position, the burden shifts quickly from excitement to scrutiny.
Why the concern is real
There is still time for Lookman to change the story of his season. One goal in nine games is not irreversible, especially for an attacker who has already shown he can make a difference for Atlético Madrid. But football is rarely patient for long, and his current return invites a fairly obvious question: if the role has changed and the output has dropped, what exactly is Atlético Madrid getting right now?
The answer, at least so far, is not enough. Lookman was signed because he had already proved he could influence major matches. Right now, he looks more like a player trying to adapt than one imposing himself. And in a team with expectations as high as Atlético Madrid’s, that is not a comfortable place to be for long.
