Former Atalanta midfielder Massimo Donati believes Ademola Lookman’s remarkable transformation lies in the forward’s newfound understanding of his abilities, Soccernet.ng reports.
After different underwhelming spells in England and Germany, Lookman arrived in Italy in 2022 to join Atalanta from RB Leipzig in a deal slightly less than €10 million.
The Nigerian international has been nothing short of sensational for Atalanta, helping himself to back-to-back Player of the Season awards at the club.
Atalanta are the current Europa League champions, with Lookman playing a key part in that triumph by netting a sensational hat-trick in the final match against Bayer Leverkusen.
The former Everton and Fulham star has carried his excellent form into the 2024/25 season to inspire Atalanta to the top of the Italian Serie A table.
Following Lookman’s contributions to Atalanta, the Super Eagles forward was on Monday named the new Africa Footballer of the Year.
And former Celtic Glasgow midfielder Donati has hailed Lookman’s transformation, insisting the winger’s strength is in his awareness of his abilities.
“Lookman is an incredible player,” Donati told Gazzetta as per Football-Italia.
“The biggest improvement he’s made is to gain awareness of his strengths. Once you realise that, nobody can stop you.”
Lookman is expected to be benched as the Atalanta Serie A table leaders face Cesena in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 today.
Moroccan Fans Protest CAF’s African POTY Decision
Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman’s crowning as African Player of the Year (POTY) has sparked fury among Moroccan fans, who were hoping for their star, Achraf Hakimi, to win the award.
The announcement by CAF President Patrice Motsepe in Marrakesh saw Lookman beat Hakimi to the top prize, leading to protests outside the ceremony venue.
Hakimi, a standout performer for Paris Saint-Germain and a key figure in Morocco’s 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final run was widely tipped by Moroccan fans to win.
His loss, especially on Moroccan soil, angered fans who accused CAF of favouritism.
Chanting Hakimi’s name, protesters gathered outside the venue, forcing security to intervene.
Reports from Almountakhab revealed that tensions escalated to the point where Motsepe had to exit the building through a back door.
Despite the controversy, Lookman’s victory reflects a stellar year that also saw him shine at AFCON, scoring three goals and leading Nigeria to a silver medal.
While the backlash has reignited debates over CAF’s award process, Lookman’s achievements continue to solidify his place among Africa’s elite footballers.
The 27-year-old is only the sixth Nigerian to win the Player of the Year award after Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, Kanu Nwankwo, and Victor Osimhen.