Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson criticised Ademola Lookman’s performance as Atletico Madrid slumped to a 3-0 defeat away to Athletic Bilbao.
Ademola Lookman’s difficult start to life in Madrid continued at the weekend. Atletico Madrid were beaten 3-0 by Athletic Bilbao at San Mames, and the Super Eagles forward came in for pointed criticism from former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson afterwards.
Lookman started on the left flank as Atletico slumped to a heavy defeat that exposed cracks in Diego Simeone’s early-season side. He was substituted in the second half having managed just one shot and no completed dribbles, before Simeone opted for a change in search of a spark that never arrived.
According to AllNigeriaSoccer’s report on Robson’s ESPN analysis, the pundit was blunt in his assessment of both the team and the Nigerian forward specifically. Robson argued that Atletico lacked “the ability, individual brilliance, and combined effect of two or three players linking with each other to break Athletic Club down.”
Robson went further on Lookman’s individual display, saying plainly that he “didn’t really get involved in the game.” As a result, the 61-year-old’s comments have added to scrutiny of how Lookman is being used on Atletico’s left side, isolated for long spells rather than combining with teammates in dangerous areas.
It’s a tough moment for a player who arrived in Madrid with real expectation. Lookman has scored once in four appearances since his move, and questions about his exact role under Simeone have followed him since preseason.
Lookman remains one of the most important attacking players in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles setup, so how he settles at club level matters well beyond Madrid. A player short of confidence and game time at his club is rarely at his sharpest on international duty, and Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers are now less than three weeks away.
That said, one difficult afternoon in a new league doesn’t define a player of Lookman’s quality. He has adapted to new systems before, and Atletico’s wider struggles this season — not just his own form — are clearly part of the picture. Our editorial team will keep tracking his form as Atletico look to respond against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League this week.
What happened to Ademola Lookman against Athletic Bilbao?
Lookman started on the left wing but struggled to get involved, managing one shot before being substituted as Atletico Madrid lost 3-0.
Who criticised Lookman after the match?
Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson, analysing the game for ESPN, said Lookman “didn’t really get involved in the game.”
How has Lookman performed since joining Atletico Madrid?
He has scored one goal in four appearances so far this season, with his best position and role under Diego Simeone still not fully settled.
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