'Usually devastating' - Atalanta coach backs Lookman to get back to his best amid goal drought

Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has expressed confidence that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman will soon rediscover his best form following a difficult spell, including a subdued performance in their goalless draw against Slavia Prague in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

Lookman started the encounter at the Gewiss Stadium but was replaced by Ghanaian forward Kamaldeen Sulemana after 62 minutes as Atalanta pushed for a breakthrough.

The Super Eagles star endured a frustrating evening, failing to register a single shot on target despite three attempts, a reflection of his recent struggles since returning to the team in September.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Juric maintained that Atalanta possess enough attacking quality despite their struggles in front of goal this season.

The Croatian tactician also included the Nigerian forward among the talented attackers capable of turning things around for the team.

"I understand the reasoning, but I think we have valuable players,” Juric said as quoted by Tuttoatalanta. 

"Besides Scamacca, who can be devastating, we have players like Lookman, Crstoic, and Ademola who often get close to scoring."

The Atalanta manager called for patience with the Nigerian international, emphasizing the potential impact he can have on the team once he rediscovers his best form.

"Right now, we're lacking clarity in the final meters. For example, Ademola is usually devastating between the third and fifth steps, when he gets going at speed, but lately we haven't been able to exploit him as we know how. 

"We need to improve there, with more composure and conviction," he added.

The Nigerian international, who was made to train separately after trying to push through a move to Inter Milan during the summer, has struggled to recapture his best form this season.

The 28-year-old is yet to score or provide an assist in five appearances across all competitions.

Adeyemi Adewale

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