Since the tail end of last season, Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has undergone a remarkable transformation at Atalanta, with former Italy manager Cesare Prandelli attributing much of the winger's evolution to the guidance of coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Lookman had a fine 2023/24 season during which he helped the Super Eagles reach the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024), climaxing with a historic, match-winning performance for his club, Atalanta, in the UEFA Europa League final.
The Nigeria forward finished the 2023/24 campaign with 33 goal involvements for club and country; he has started this term in similarly fine form, with eight goals and five assists in just 13 games already to his name.
With impressive performances for both club and country, the 27-year-old has earned recognition on the global stage, including a notable Ballon d'Or ranking.
What began as a player primarily known for his dribbling has now blossomed into a clinical goal scorer, with Gasperini’s tactical influence playing a key role in his development.
Lookman’s rapid evolution: Gasperini’s role in his goal-scoring growth
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport in a recent interview, Prandelli said, “With Gasperini the forwards always score a lot.
“Look at Lookman. Ademola has had an exponential growth: now he dribbles, but then he goes to the goal and scores.”
Lookman, born to Nigerian parents in south London, started off his career in the British capital with Charlton Athletic.
And with the exception of a spell with German top-flight side RB Leipzig, he had spent the entirety of his career in England's Premier League, where he represented Everton and had loan stints with Fulham and Leicester City.
In 2022, however, he completed a move to Serie A outfit Atalanta, where he currently plays.
