Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini tasks Ademola Lookman on improvement

By Saheed Afolabi

Atalanta boss, Gian Piero Gasperini has backed forward, Ademola Lookman to improve his performance in front of goal.

The Nigerian forward had a fantastic performance at his debut Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, scoring three goals and two assists in seven games.

Gasperini believes Lookman has got the potential to be a top player but must improve his game offensively, stressing that the improvement of Lookman in individual abilities, while urging him to be the poster boy of the team.

“We all see Lookman‘s potential and speed, but we must admit that he once didn’t play so offensively,” Gasperini was quoted by Pazzi di Fanta.

“He used to score 6/7 goals a year, while now he is quick, good at dribbling, even strong with his head. I encourage him because every now and then, he hides from the game, but I believe that when he approaches the area, he can become a reference player for our team.”

The Super Eagles winger has scored eight goals and three assists in 21 Serie A appearances this season.

Atalanta are sixth in the Serie A table with 46 points from 27 games and will face a huge test in their next game against second place Juventus at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday, March 10.