Ademola Lookman’s rise in European football is no longer under the radar.
The Atalanta forward has been ranked the fifth most efficient winger across Europe’s top seven leagues, according to a performance-based metric released by Data MB.
The platform used non-penalty expected goals and assists to assess attacking output, and Lookman stood shoulder to shoulder with elite company.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah topped the list, followed by Barcelona duo Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer came in fourth.
The Nigeria international edges out the likes of Mason Greenwood, Michael Olise, Vinicius Jr, and Alex Baena to round out the top ten.He also sits ahead of Ballon d’Or contenders like Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé on this metric.
Ademola Lookman’s numbers turning heads across Europe
In 37 appearances this season across all competitions, Lookman has delivered 20 goals and seven assists, adding consistency to the explosiveness that defined his breakout campaign last year. He played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph and has been central to their push for a top-three finish in Serie A this season.
Most dangerous wingers and attacking midfielders in the Top 7 Leagues (npxG+xA)
◉ 26.1 — Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, 32)
◉ 25.3 — Raphinha (Barcelona, 28)
◉ 22.9 — Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, 17)
◎ 20.6 — Cole Palmer (Chelsea, 23)
◎ 19.6 — Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, 27)— DataMB (@DataMB_) May 21, 2025
Such numbers have naturally attracted attention. Barcelona, Arsenal, and Juventus are all reportedly circling, with the Super Eagles star facing a crucial decision this summer. At 27, and after three productive years in Bergamo, the timing may be right for a step up.
Lookman’s efficiency, versatility, and proven European pedigree make him a valuable asset in a market where wide forwards with end product are a rare breed.
He may not have the Ballon d’Or hype of a Kylian Mbappé or an Ousmane Dembélé, but his output tells its own story.
And if the numbers are to be believed, he is not just part of the conversation, he’s quietly rewriting it.
