Like Drogba to Arsenal, Messi to Madrid: Is Lookman becoming Napoli’s worst nightmare?

Despite Atalanta BC’s 3-2 loss to Napoli yesterday, Super Eagles Ademola Lookman continues to impress for the Bergamo-based club, Soccernet.ng reports.

Following his goal for Gian Piero Gasperini’s men in their fierce clash against the Neapolitans, the Nigerian forward may have now become something even more formidable for Napoli—their worst nightmare.

I watched Atalanta vs. Napoli, and it was a fantastic game. Napoli made a brilliant statement by winning without Kvaratskhelia against an in-form Atalanta. Ademola Lookman’s goal was outstanding—he’s slowly becoming Napoli’s worst nightmare.

— Oma Akatugba (@omaakatugba) January 18, 2025

In previous seasons, certain players have earned infamous reputations for consistently tormenting specific clubs—Didier Drogba with Arsenal and Lionel Messi with Real Madrid.

Scoring three goals in Atalanta’s doubleheader fixtures against Napoli in the 2024-25 season campaign, could Lookman be following in the footsteps of Drogba and Messi when it comes to Napoli?

Lookman vs Napoli

Since joining Atalanta, Ademola Lookman has established himself as a key figure in their attacking lineup. However, his performances against Napoli have particularly stood out, drawing significant attention.

The Super Eagles forward has consistently troubled Napoli’s defence, delivering crucial goals and shining in important fixtures.

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Lookman has faced Napoli seven times in Serie A, scoring an impressive five goals in these clashes.

In the 2022-23 season, Lookman scored the only goal in Atalanta’s 1-2 home defeat to Napoli. He repeated the feat in the 2023-24 campaign, again netting the lone goal in a 1-2 home loss.

Things improved significantly in the 2024-25 season, which looks to be Lookman’s best yet. After being ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings and winning the 2024 African Player of the Year award, Lookman has carried that momentum forward. This season, he has scored in both the home and away fixtures against Napoli.

At the Diego Maradona Stadium, Lookman tormented Napoli with a brace in a commanding 3-0 victory for Atalanta. He also found the net in yesterday’s home game, although his goal couldn’t secure a win for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, who fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat.

Without question, Lookman’s performances in these high-stakes encounters are beginning to mirror the torment iconic players like Didier Drogba and Lionel Messi inflicted on their respective rivals.

Drogba against Arsenal, Messi’s in El Clásico

To understand the weight of Lookman’s potential “nightmare” status, it’s essential to look at the legacies of Drogba and Messi, two players who haunted Arsenal and Real Madrid respectively for years.

Drogba was known for posing threats on every defence at big games, and often scoring decisive goals in key moments.

His record against Arsenal, including memorable goals in the FA Cup and Premier League, became a defining part of his stint at Chelsea.

Similarly, Messi’s dominance in El Clásico has been well documented. His goals against Real Madrid, particularly in crucial moments, created a deep-seated fear for Madridistas every time the two sides met.