Ademola Lookman celebrated a significant achievement after being named Player of the Match in Atalanta’s 3-0 triumph over Shakhtar Donetsk during a UEFA Champions League encounter held at VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The Nigerian international played a crucial role in this victory, which also marked Atalanta’s first success in the current series. Lookman expressed his joy regarding the award while emphasizing the team’s collective effort. Following the match, he stated, “It’s always nice to receive these awards, but we wouldn’t have been able to do that without the team,” acknowledging the importance of teamwork in their performance.
The match saw Lookman involved right from the start; he assisted Berat Djimsiti for the opening goal in the 21st minute and also scored a close-range goal just before halftime. This goal was particularly significant for Lookman as it marked his first-ever in the Champions League. By achieving both a goal and an assist in the same match, he became only the second player in Atalanta’s history to do so in the Champions League, following in the footsteps of Duvan Zapata. Following the match, Lookman highlighted the importance of their victory, especially after a previous disappointing goalless draw against Arsenal, stating, “I think tonight’s victory was very important for us to make another step stronger in Europe.”
Lookman’s outstanding performance has not gone unnoticed and comes during a period of heightened interest from various Premier League clubs. Since transferring to Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for a fee of €9.35 million plus bonuses, Lookman has established himself as a key player, tallying 33 goals and 19 assists across 81 competitive appearances. His contributions were particularly vital during Atalanta’s run in the UEFA Europa League last season, where he scored an incredible hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
This season, Lookman has already made strides with three goals and two assists, further elevating his profile. His continuing success on the field has led to speculation regarding his future, with several top European clubs, including Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, and Juventus reportedly monitoring his progress. The interest from these clubs signifies the high regard in which Lookman is held within European football, particularly following his impressive track record at Atalanta.
As he continues to shine in the Champions League and domestic competitions, Lookman is also making a case for individual accolades, including the prestigious African Player of the Year award for 2024. With his consistent performances, he not only bolsters his team’s chances in various tournaments but also positions himself as a leading contender for recognition among African footballers. This burgeoning reputation could greatly impact his career growth and future transfers if he continues to deliver such high-level performances.
In conclusion, Lookman’s recent achievements highlight his rising status in football, showcasing not only his talent but also the collective effort of his team. His contributions to Atalanta’s success, both in domestic and European competitions, have set the stage for greater opportunities. As he navigates the interest from prominent clubs and seeks to make his mark in international football, Lookman’s journey serves as an inspiration to many young talents in the sport. His stock continues to rise, and with the support of his teammates, he is poised for an exciting future in football.
