Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini believes Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has improved in his offensive output for the club this term.
According to him, while Lookman used to score just six to seven goals per season, he has now taken his all-round game to another level.
Lookman joined Atalanta in the summer of 2022 for a fee of €15 million and went on to enjoy a brilliant debut campaign in the Italian topflight, where he scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions.
The 26-year-old has carried his form into the current season, having accounted for eight goals and three assists from 21 matches in the Serie A.
Looman once again had a lively outing when Atalanta held Sporting CP to a 1-1 draw away from home in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 on Wednesday, February 6, 2024, after Paulinho first-half strike was cancelled out by Gianluca Scamacca.
Lookman can become key player, says Atalanta manager Gasperini
The Super Eagles winger nearly scored one of the goals of the Europa League when he dribbled past his marker after a cheeky nutmeg but saw his low shot hit the post.
Ademola Lookman’s night came to an end in the 72nd minute when he was replaced by Charles De Ketelaere and his manager was impressed with what he saw from the forward.
Gasperini praised Lookman’s improvement in front of goal but was quick to add that for the former Everton star to become a key player, he must desist from hiding and rather take the initiative in games by getting into the attacking third more often.
“We all see the potential and speed of Lookman, but it must be admitted that he didn't used to play so offensively. He used to score six or seven goals a year, whereas now he is quick, skilled in dribbling, and even strong in heading,” the Atalanta boss told Pazzi di Fanta.
“I encourage him because sometimes he hides from the game, but I believe that when he approaches the penalty area, he can become a key player for our team.”
Ademola Lookman rose to the occasion during AFCON 2024
Ademola Lookman’s performances for Atalanta this season mirror his outstanding displays for his country during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in Ivory Coast.
The ex- RB Leipzig winger was one of the Super Eagles’ best players during the tournament as Jose Peseiro’s side ended up as losing finalists.
The 26-year-old put up several man-of-the-match performances, having scored a brace in the round of 16 victory over Cameroon before again netting the only goal of the game when Nigeria beat Angola in the quarter-finals.
For his impressive efforts, Lookman was named in the AFCON Team of the Tournament, alongside compatriots William Troost-Ekong and Ola Aina. His three goals in the tournament also saw him finish fourth in the race for the top scorers’ gong – just two behind eventual winner Emilio Nsue.
Lookman attracts interest from Juventus and Atletico Madrid
Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman is said to be a transfer target of some European clubs in the summer, including Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
The Sun reports that the Nigeria international’s sensational form for club and country has caught the attention of the aforementioned clubs, who are prepared to launch bids at the end of the season.
Lookman already has some experience playing in England, having started his career at Charlton Athletic before later lining up for Premier League sides Everton and Fulham.
Since joining Atalanta, though, the winger has been playing his best football and has also been afforded an extended run in the first team. The Serie A side is said to be ready to let Lookman go if a bid in the region of €40 million is tabled in the summer despite the player having more than two years left of his contract.
