'A truly extraordinary player' - Atalanta coach reveals African POTY Lookman is among the best in Europe

Atalanta's manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, has lavished praise on Ademola Lookman following his recent performance and triumph as the African Player of the Year in Marrakech, Morocco. 

The Nigerian forward's remarkable form for both club and country earned him the prestigious award, seeing off strong competition from Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, and Ronwen Williams.

Lookman was in exceptional form for Atalanta during the 2023/2024 season. 

The forward netted 17 goals and registered 10 assists, playing a pivotal role in helping Atalanta secure the UEFA Europa League title, including a stunning hat-trick in the final.

His contributions were equally crucial for Nigeria in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where he scored three goals to guide the Super Eagles to a runner-up finish behind the host nation.

This season, Lookman has continued to impress, with 12 goals and 5 assists in 20 appearances across all competitions. 

His stellar performances have helped Atalanta rise to the top of the Serie A table, while they also remain in contention for automatic qualification to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.

In an interview with Serie A's official channels on Christmas Day via calciomercato, Gasperini spoke highly of Lookman, calling him one of the finest players in Europe and the world.

The coach commended the forward's growth and adaptation to Atalanta's playing style, noting how his consistency has significantly improved since joining the club," Gasperini said.

"He's a top player. In terms of character, there are perhaps players who have more consistency and are more solid, but that's normal. Even the role itself favours more or less.

"He always has to be very fit, but he has become a truly extraordinary player, among the best in Europe and the world. 

"Because he has improved his consistency and in some ways he has started to be an Atalanta player."

Lookman's contributions have been key to Atalanta's success under Gasperini, and the manager will be hoping for more of the same when the team faces Lazio this Saturday.

Adeyemi Adewale

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