Atletico Madrid insider, Sergio Picos, has criticised Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman over his performance in their 1-0 victory against Espanyol in La Liga at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday.
The former African Footballer of the Year must have been disappointed upon being withdrawn at the break for the second consecutive match in the Spanish top-flight.
Manager Diego Simeone brought in Julián Alvarez in Lookman's place during the matchday nine encounter.
The Argentina international proved instrumental in Atletico's decisive goal, providing an assist to Álex Baena, who scored in the 89th minute.
Lookman has faced difficulties in returning to his peak throughout the current season, accumulating merely two goal contributions across 11 appearances in all competitions.
Picos raised concerns regarding Lookman's confidence and expressed apprehension about the forward's apparent hesitancy in engaging defenders during the opening period.
"He's not there. He had the opportunity in the starting eleven, but he doesn't look confident taking on defenders," Picos wrote in his player ratings for AS.
"Furthermore, he demonstrates insufficient dynamism and movement that could provide his team with an alternative attacking option.
"He remained notably quiet throughout the first half before his substitution. He needs to improve."
Lookman has featured in the starting lineup for eight of Atletico's 11 matches across all competitions this season, accumulating 600 minutes of competitive playing time.
LaLiga: 'He's not there' - Sergio Picos slams Ademola Lookman after Atletico's 1-0 win at Espanyol