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Atalanta’s manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, has declined to take personal credit for the impressive ascent of Ademola Lookman, emphasizing the collective effort behind the player’s success.
Gasperini brought Ademola Lookman to Atalanta from the Bundesliga club RB Leipzig in 2022, and since then, the Nigerian international has rapidly evolved into one of the most prominent stars in football, showcasing his talent on both domestic and international stages.
During his time at Atalanta, Lookman has not only won the club’s Player of the Season award for two consecutive years but has also made his mark on the global football scene.
This year, he secured a commendable 14th place in the Ballon d’Or rankings, highlighting his exceptional performance and contribution to the sport.
Additionally, he has been honoured as the African Footballer of the Year recently, an award that recognizes his achievements and influence in African football.
In reflecting on Lookman’s journey, Gasperini stated, “For many years, the objective for Atalanta was to improve players and see them go to greater heights. It’s not my credit; it goes to everyone at Atalanta who helps the players grow, and of course, the credit goes to the players themselves. They have what it takes; we just help them to bring that out.”
His sentiments underscore the collaborative nature of player development at Atalanta, where coaching and support play a vital role.
On the other side of this success story, Ademola Lookman has expressed deep gratitude toward Atalanta for facilitating his remarkable development as a player.
Before joining Atalanta, Lookman’s career was marred by difficulties, as he struggled to make a significant impact during his stints with Premier League clubs like Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City. His time at RB Leipzig proved to be equally challenging, where he faced hurdles that hindered his growth.
However, following his transfer to Atalanta, Lookman’s fortunes began to change dramatically. He blossomed into one of the most formidable forwards in the world, showcasing skill, agility, and a keen sense of goal-scoring.
Reflecting on his evolution after winning the 2024 African Player of the Year award in Morocco, Lookman said, “I think the environment that the club has given me has been very key to my growth as a player. It’s also about timing; I’ve always believed in myself and desired to achieve great things. Now that the time has come, I feel truly blessed to be here.”
