Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini salutes Ademola Lookman consistency 

By Saheed Afolabi

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has lauded Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman for his consistent performances and remarkable evolution since joining the club.

The 25-year-old has blossomed into a world-class player in Italy, earning the La Dea Player of the Season award for the past two campaigns and solidifying his place as one of the club’s most valuable assets.

Gasperini highlighted Lookman’s versatility and ability to adapt to various playing styles, having formed successful partnerships with different teammates over time, including Rasmus Højlund, Gianluca Scamacca, Charles De Ketelaere, and Mateo Retegui.

Gasperini emphasized that this adaptability is a key factor in Lookman’s rise among the top players in Europe and, by extension, the global stage.

“Lookman has undergone a fantastic evolution,” Gasperini said in a press conference ahead of Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League clash against Stuttgart.

“He has already performed well alongside players like Højlund, Scamacca, De Ketelaere, and now Retegui. Right now, he is among the top players in Europe, and that means he’s also among the top players in the world.”

While Gasperini expressed confidence that Lookman is in the running for the prestigious CAF African Player of the Year (APOTY) award, he emphasized that the most important aspect of the forward’s development is his sustained growth and consistency in performance.

“The most important thing is Lookman’s evolution,” Gasperini said. “He continues to improve and maintain a high level of consistency, which is what makes him stand out.”

Atalanta, currently third in Serie A with 22 points from 11 matches, continue to rely on Lookman’s contribution as they aim for another strong season both domestically and in Europe.