Ademola Lookman celebrated his CAF Player of the Year nomination with a stellar two-goal, two-assist performance in Atalanta’s commanding 6-1 win over Hellas Verona on Saturday.
Just a day after being listed among the 10 contenders for CAF’s top individual honor, the 27-year-old dazzled in Bergamo, where he was instrumental in four of Atalanta's first-half goals, bringing the Nigerian forward’s career tally to 80.
Atalanta wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Marten de Roon netting the opener in the 6th minute after Lookman’s pinpoint pass found him in space. Moments later, Lookman’s attempt was blocked but converted by teammate Mateo Retegui to double the lead.
Continuing his influence, Lookman then assisted Charles De Ketelaere’s goal in the 14th minute. By the 29th minute, Lookman had netted his first of the night, sending in a right-footed shot from outside the box, followed by a close-range finish for his second goal five minutes later, bringing Atalanta’s lead to 5-0.
Lookman’s performance by numbers vs Verona
Lookman’s night came to an end in the 56th minute, earning a substitution to applause after his two goals and two assists had contributed directly to Atalanta’s comfortable scoreline.
His numbers against Verona highlighted his all-around impact: he completed 67 touches and maintained a pass accuracy of 84%, completing 38 of his 45 passes. In attack, he created two chances, took four shots, three of them on target, and had one hit the bar.
Lookman also showed tenacity defensively, winning four tackles and duels in just 56 minutes of action.
Across his six league appearances, Lookman has consistently been a threat with a total of four goals from an xG of 3.45 and four assists from an xA of 2.54.
