By Daily Sports Nigeria on November 28, 2024

Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has credited Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman for the team’s impressive start to the season, despite the forward being an unused substitute in their dominant 6-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Young Boys.

While Lookman’s absence on the pitch did not hinder Atalanta’s near-flawless display, with Charles de Ketelaere, Mateo Retegui, and Sead Kolasinac leading the charge, Gasperini highlighted how the 27-year-old’s contributions last season laid the foundation for the current campaign.

“We are in a good period of form in Italy and Europe. I’m happy with the performances and results we are getting,” Gasperini said after the match.

“Winning the Europa League last season helped us grow in confidence and self-belief. Many new players have arrived and are improving, but it was last season’s success, driven by players like Lookman, that set the tone.”

Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph last season, netting a historic hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.

That performance not only handed the German champions their sole defeat of the campaign but also solidified Lookman’s status as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.

“We have always had a very strong locker room atmosphere, where behaviour and attitude are based on values,” Gasperini added, attributing the team’s cohesiveness to players like Lookman, who embody the club’s values.

Lookman’s stellar form since joining Atalanta in 2022 has made him a top target for several elite clubs, including Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid.

The Nigerian forward, who has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 15 appearances this season, is reportedly valued at over £60m by the Bergamo-based side.

Atalanta’s upcoming fixtures include a trip to the Stadio Olimpico to face AS Roma, followed by high-stakes encounters against AC Milan and Real Madrid at the Gewiss Stadium.

As interest from Europe’s top clubs intensifies, Lookman’s impact at Atalanta continues to resonate, both on and off the pitch. His contributions, past and present, have positioned the Italian side as a formidable force in both domestic and European competitions.

Source Punch Ng

Posted November 28, 2024

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