Atalanta: Lookman, the new scourge of Italian defences
Ademola Lookman is tearing through Serie A. The Nigeria international keeps turning in fine performances for his new club...
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Young but highly effective, Ademola Lookman (25) is tearing through Serie A. The Nigeria international keeps churning out impressive performances for his new club, Atalanta. Standing 1m74, he has had Italian defences on the back foot since his debut.
Signed by La Dea last summer, the former Leipzig player scored his first goal on 13 August 2022, in his first appearance for the Italian club. In total he has scored 13 goals in 19 matches this season, delighting the club's directors and the nerazzurri fans.
Three braces in three consecutive matches
Lookman joined the Italians this summer from RB Leipzig, after a successful loan spell at Leicester, where he played 26 matches and scored 6 goals last season. Now an indispensable goal machine, Ademola has played 1180 minutes since arriving in Bergamo.
Born in London and having chosen to represent his country of heritage, Nigeria, the young player has several strengths. He can play on the left or right wing, but also as a false 9.
In his latest Serie A match, on 22 January against Juventus (3-3, matchday 19), Lookman scored his third brace in three consecutive matches (two in the league and one in the Coppa Italia). He also played a part in Joakim Maehle's goal, making him the 2nd-best provider of assists for Atalanta in the league this season with 3.
Victor Osimhen vs Lookman, the Super Eagles duel
In Serie A, the 25-year-old is currently the second-highest scorer, two goals behind his compatriot Victor Osimhen (13 goals in 15 appearances). Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised the remarkable performances of the Wandsworth-born player. "Lookman put in an extraordinary performance (against Juventus, editor's note). I saw clear progress from the start of the season, partly because of the freshness and personality of the lads who arrived this summer ", said Gasperini.
With his eye-catching exploits, Ademola Lookman could well shake up the next summer transfer window, even though his contract with La Dea runs until June 2026, with an option to extend for a year.