Nigeria Players Abroad
Gian Gasperini backs Ademola Lookman for future Atalanta captaincy
By Monsurah Olatunji
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has endorsed Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman as a potential future captain of the club following the team’s dominant 4-0 win over Juventus on Sunday.
Lookman, who scored a goal before being substituted in the 80th minute, received a warm embrace from Gasperini on the sidelines, signaling the reconciliation between the two after their previous fallout.
The 25-year-old has been in superb form this season, netting 13 goals and providing five assists in 22 Serie A appearances, earning him the title of African Player of the Year.
Gasperini, impressed by Lookman’s development both on and off the pitch, believes the winger has the leadership qualities to one day captain the team.
Despite their public disagreement in February over Lookman’s penalty miss in a Champions League match against Club Brugge, Gasperini expressed confidence in the Nigerian’s ability to lead the club.
“I am convinced he can be the captain before the end of the season,” Gasperini told Football Italia.
“He wasn’t a bad guy, but he mostly focused on himself. He made Atalanta great, and Atalanta made him great.”
With Lookman’s continued strong performances, the possibility of him wearing the captain’s armband appears increasingly likely as the season progresses.
