Europa League-winning manager exhorts Lookman after sublime run

Atalanta coach Gian Pero Gasperini has praised Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman following his impressive run of form since last season, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman has been on fire since last season. He left Leipzig two years ago after failing to make a big impression, but he got unlocked after joining Atalanta in 2022.

His first campaign was decent, as he produced 15 goals and eight assists in 33 games. But the world only took notice of him last season, after an amazing performance in the final of the Europa League against Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored a hat-trick to see La Dea through.

That performance attracted interest from top clubs around Europe, but none of them could snatch Lookman from Atalanta.

The 27-year-old Super Eagles star has since put all those behind him, and he has started the campaign in blistering hot form. Lookman has contributed eight goals and five assists in 13 games.

He was the x-factor for Atalanta in Tuesday night, as he scored the winner in their UEFA Champions League clash against Stuttgart.

But just before the game, Atalanta boss, Gasperini, who guided the team to Europa League glory last season, spoke about the effect that Lookman has had this season. And the Italian tactician believes that Lookman is one of the best players in the world currently.

“He (Lookman) has had a fantastic evolution. He did well right from the start, even two years ago when he played alongside Hojlund. He also changed his attacking partners, last year with Scamacca and this year with Retegui and De Ketelaere,” Gasperini said, per Goal.

“Lookman has grown a lot, he is among the best players in the world. He can win the Ballon d’Or in Africa. He has improved a lot in the continuity with which he offers performances”.

If Lookman continues at his current pace, there is a very big chance that he will leave Atalanta this summer, as many top clubs are interested in acquiring his services.