How I turned Ademola Lookman into a world class player — Atlanta boss Gasperini

How I turned Ademola Lookman into a world class player — Atlanta boss Gasperini

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 12:39 - 31.05.2024

Ademola Lookman has become one of Europe's hottest forwards, and some of that can be credited to Atalanta's genius manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini explained how he helped Ademola Lookman take his game to the next level.

Lookman had a difficult spell at Leipzig, before loan moves to Fulham and Leicester City, there he once again struggled to make a real impact.

The Super Eagles forward joined Atalanta two years ago and has blossomed since.

Gasperini explains how Lookman improved his game

Lookman has become one of the best wingers in the world under the tutelage of Gasperini, highlighted by his incredible Europa League final hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen.

Ademola Lookman scores again for Atalanta || Imago

The 26-year-old finished the season with an impressive 16 goals and 8 assists.

"Lookman is a top player today, but he wasn’t before. He was strong but tended to light up in flashes and at other times would disappear from the game.

Lookman celebrates after scoring against Bayer Levrkusen | Credit: IMAGO

"He was the same in training sessions,” Gasperini said via Football Italia.

“I worked with him using the patience of an artisan craftsman. What he did in the last few weeks feels like his maturity.

"Now he wants the ball, participates in the game, works with his teammates.”

Lookman is one of the frontrunners for the CAF Player of the Year award, and his performance for the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023, and throughout the season for Atalanta puts him in a strong position.

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