Atlético de Madrid is still looking for the spark that Ademola Lookman showed last season, when he became the most notable signing of the winter. Upon his arrival, the Nigerian made an immediate mark with a memorable performance against Real Betis at La Cartuja, where Simeone's team won 5‑0 and Lookman scored and assisted. That match marked the beginning of a campaign in which the forward contributed nine goals and four assists in 24 games, helping the club finish runner-up in the Copa del Rey Mapfre and semi-finalist in the Champions League.
In the current season, however, Lookman's production has dropped noticeably. Through 13 games, the player has recorded just two goals and one assist in 692 minutes, a figure that does not reflect the impact he had last season. The forward has shown an uneven performance, with moments of brilliance, such as assisting Julián's goal in the 1-1 draw against Stuttgart, and others where his lack of impact led to his substitution before half-time, as happened against Deportivo de La Coruña.
Coach Diego Simeone has expressed his desire to recover Lookman's performance, considering his inclusion in a 4-3-3 formation where the Nigerian would occupy the left winger. According to the coach, the player must return to perform at the level he showed last season for the proposed system to work effectively. Lookman, who prepared with the rest of the team after not participating in the World Cup, has the opportunity to prove his worth in the upcoming matches.
Atlético de Madrid continues to evaluate Lookman's contribution in the context of its objectives in the league and in European competitions. The forward will have to overcome the adaptation phase and shine again so that the club can advance in its competitions. With the season still underway, the expectation is that Lookman will be able to regain the form that made him a key player in the past, which would be essential for Atlético to continue competing at the highest levels.