Atalanta coach Gasperini has praised Lookman and tipped him for captaincy.
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has heaped praise on Nigerian striker Ademola Lookman, following his impressive performance in the team’s 4-0 win over Juventus on Sunday.
Lookman scored a goal in the convincing victory and was substituted off in the 80th minute, receiving a warm hug from Gasperini on the touchline.
What Gasperini said
Gasperini’s praise for Lookman comes as a surprise, given their public disagreement in February after the Super Eagles star missed a penalty in a Champions League game against Club Brugge.
However, the Atalanta coach has been impressed with Lookman’s growth and development as a player, particularly his improved understanding of the team’s dynamics.
“When a group spends 300 days together in a year, people can have different views,” Gasperini said in a post-match press conference via Football Italia.
He continued, “Lookman became a fantastic player when he improved his perception of the team. He used to have a more individual approach.”
Gasperini believes Lookman’s transformation has been instrumental in Atalanta’s success, and he is convinced that the Nigerian striker has the potential to become the team’s captain before the end of the season.
“Lookman made Atalanta great, and Atalanta made him great. I am convinced he can be the captain before the end of the season,” he added.
The African Player of the Year has scored 13 goals and recorded 5 assists in 22 Italian Seria A games for Atlanta.
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