Ademola Lookman: Former Arsenal star criticises Super Eagles forward after Atletico Madrid defeat

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman didn't have the best game over the weekend as Atletico Madrid lost to Athletic Club and has come under criticism from ex-Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman started the La Liga encounter at San Mamés on Saturday but was unable to make a significant impact before he was substituted in the 58th minute.

The Nigerian forward was replaced by Arnau Ortiz in the 58th minute as Diego Simeone made four changes following a disastrous start to the second half.

Athletic Club scored twice within three minutes of the restart through Nico Williams and Robert Navarro before Oihan Sancet added a third goal in the 90th minute to seal a convincing victory for the home side.

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Robson singles out Ademola Lookman after Atletico defeat

Lookman’s performance was questioned by the former West Ham midfielder, who felt Atletico lacked the individual brilliance and attacking combinations needed to break down Athletic Club.

Speaking during ESPN’s analysis of the game, the 61-year-old criticised Atletico’s attacking display and specifically pointed to Lookman’s isolation on the left flank.

“They didn't have the ability, individual brilliance, and combined effect of two or three players linking with each other to break Athletic Club down,” Robson said.

“It was a poor second-half performance. Lookman didn't really get involved in the game.”

The criticism comes just one week after Lookman produced a much-improved performance for Atletico in their 3-1 victory over Sevilla.

The Nigeria international scored his first goal of the season in that victory at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium, having failed to find the net in Atletico’s opening matches against Málaga and Villarreal.

However, Lookman was unable to reproduce that attacking threat against Athletic Club, as Simeone’s side struggled to create clear opportunities despite enjoying 62% possession and registering 15 attempts during the game.

The defeat was Atletico Madrid’s first of the La Liga season, while Athletic Club continued their impressive start under former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic.

For Lookman, the focus will now be on responding quickly after his quiet outing in Bilbao as Atletico prepare for their next challenge. Los Colchoneros will play against Liverpool in their UEFA Champions League opener on Wednesday at Anfield.