Ademola Lookman: Atalanta boss Gasperini hails Super Eagles star after excellent Sporting Lisbon win

The Nigerian winger was in his element in Portugal as the Italian side got the better of the Portuguese giants

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has heaped a ton of praise on Ademola Lookman following the Super Eagles forward’s excellent display in midweek, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman was outstanding for Atalanta as they secured an impressive 1-2 away victory over Sporting Lisbon in their matchday two Europa League clash on Thursday.

Atalanta scored twice in the first half through Giorgio Scalvini and Matteo Ruggeri as the Italian Serie A side dominated the early exchanges.

Sporting CP fought back hard after the break and pulled a goal back courtesy of a fine strike from Viktor Gyökeres, but Atalanta held on to secure their second win this season on the continent.

Although Lookman was not on the scoresheet, his contribution was crucial. The Nigeria international made three key passes, had an 85% pass accuracy, created one big chance, fired two shots, and blocked three from the opponents.

Head coach Piero Gasperini was impressed by Lookman’s performance, claiming it is the best he has seen the former Everton man produce this term.

“Lookman played perhaps the best game of the season and also one of the best considering last year,” Piero Gasperini said, as per Calciomercato. 

“He had many dangerous situations, and I see him growing, but I don’t know if he can repeat last year’s goals. Lookman is important. If we always scored goals in the first half, little or nothing would be missing.

“We were able to suffer in the second half; some players like Scamacca, Holm, and De Ketelaere need to grow in pace and mentality.”

Lookman has two goals in seven Serie A games this term, but he has a long way to go to match his goal tally from last season.

The 25-year-old flying winger joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig for only €9 million, but his stock has risen by more than 300% to €30 million.

This came about after Lookman managed 15 goals and eight assists in 33 games across all competitions, including 13 goals in Serie A.