How I unlocked Lookman’s potential — Atalanta manager, Gasperini

Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken about the meteoric rise of Super Eagles Ademola Lookman and the undeniable role he played in his transformation.

Plaudits are still trailing Lookman for his sensational hattrick in Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League last Wednesday.

The 26-year-old registered 16 goals and nine assists in the just concluded season, beating his 13-goal career best in the 2022/23 season. This newfound form, according to Gasperini, has always been Lookman’s innate quality that needed unearthing.

“Lookman is a top player today, but he wasn’t before. He was strong but tended to light up in flashes and at other times would disappear from the game. He was the same in training sessions,” the 66-year-old told Football Italia.

“I worked with him using the patience of an artisan craftsman. What he did in the last few weeks feels like his maturity. He wants the ball, participates in the game, works with his teammates.”

While detailing the process involved in his growth in April, Lookman attributed much to Atalanta’s playing style and Gasperini’s demands.

The ex-Leicester City winger told The Athletic’s Mark Carey, “Atalanta have been known for playing attacking football, so for me to come into this positive style of play is great for me as an attacker.

“The Mister (Gasperini) is very big on playing forward and creating many opportunities to score goals. For me, he has made my football much simpler in how I think about it.”

Following Lookman’s impressive performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Finidi George will be counting on the winger once again in the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic in June.