Ademola Lookman Shines in Serie A with Atalanta, Scoring 12 Goals in 2022-23 Season

Ademola Lookman, a former English Premier League player, has been thriving in Serie A with Atalanta during the 2022-23 season. The 26-year-old Nigerian winger has scored an impressive 12 goals for Atalanta so far this campaign, showcasing his skill and impact in the Italian top flight.

Lookman, who was born in England, spent the 2020/2021 season on loan with Fulham from RB Leipzig, scoring 5 goals in 35 games. He then went on loan to Leicester City the following season before finding success at Atalanta. Despite his well-traveled career, Lookman has thrived with the Italian club, where he has scored 24 goals and recorded 12 assists in 65 games across all competitions.

Fulham's former caretaker manager, Stuart Gray, praised Lookman's dedication and work ethic, noting, "He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave the training ground." Gray believes Lookman's move abroad has helped him become physically stronger and more confident, and that at 26 years old, he has not reached his full potential.

Lookman's performances have been vital to Atalanta's success this season. The team has reached the semi-finals of both the UEFA Europa League and the Coppa Italia. In Serie A, Lookman is among the top early contenders for Victor Osimhen's CAF Player of the Year title. He is the fifth player to achieve this feat since the start of last season, alongside notable names like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Raphael Leão, Paulo Dybala, and Olivier Giroud.

Why this matters: Ademola Lookman's success in Serie A highlights the potential for players to thrive in different leagues and environments. His impressive goal-scoring record and contributions to Atalanta's achievements demonstrate the impact that a talented player can have when given the opportunity to showcase their skills on a prominent stage.

Lookman's excellent form has not gone unnoticed, as he was recently named in the Serie A Team of the Week for his performance in Atalanta's 2-1 away victory against Monza. The Nigerian winger registered two assists in the match, setting up goals for Charles De Ketelaere and El Bilal Toure. Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini praised Lookman's display, acknowledging his significant contributions to the team's success this season.

Key Takeaways

• Ademola Lookman, a Nigerian winger, has thrived in Serie A with Atalanta, scoring 12 goals.
• Lookman's career has included loans to Fulham and Leicester before finding success in Italy.
• Lookman's dedication and work ethic have been praised, and he is seen as not reaching his full potential.
• Lookman's performances have been vital to Atalanta's success in Serie A and European competitions.
• Lookman has been named in the Serie A Team of the Week for his recent match-winning display.