Ademola Lookman can be Atalanta’s main man, says Gasperini

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has praised Super Eagles’ Ademola Lookman for his massive improvement this season, tipping him to be the club’s reference player.

With eight goals and three assists in 21 appearances this season, Lookman looks set to better his 13 goals and three assists for the Goddess last season.

The ex-Leicester City star, according to Gasperini, has not only improved his goal-scoring output, but he has also transformed into a winger with a better pace and dribbling decisiveness— all of which are qualities that can make him Atalanta’s main man.

“We all see Lookman‘s potential and speed, but we must admit that he once didn’t play so offensively,” Gasperini said per Pazzi di Fanta.

“He used to score 6/7 goals a year, while now he is quick, good at dribbling, even strong with his head.

“I encourage him because every now and then, he hides from the game, but I believe that when he approaches the area, he can become a reference player for our team,” the 66-year-old concluded.

Lookman was Nigeria’s joint top scorer (3 goals) at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and he also made it into the competition’s Best XI, alongside William Troost-Ekong and Ola Aina.