Ademola Lookman: Atalanta Forward Names Al Nassr Star As His Football Role Model

• Ademola Lookman has been on a stellar run of form since the start of the season
• The forward has been involved in 13 goals for Serie A club, Atalanta this season
• The Super Eagles forward has named a forward of Al Nassr as his role model

Ademola Lookman has undeniably experienced a surge in his gameplay since joining Atalanta in the summer of 2022.

The 26-year-old has not only evolved from a young player prone to occasional mistakes during his early years at Everton but has also developed into a key player for Gian Piero Gasperini's side.

Since his arrival at the Italian Serie A club, the Nigerian forward has seamlessly integrated into the coach's plans and has become a fixture in Atalanta's starting lineup.

Lookman has also solidified his position in the Super Eagles team, and it appears to owe his surge in form to a certain Al Nassr forward for his ascent.

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The 26-year-old recently acknowledged that he looks up to Al Nassr's Sadio Mane and strives to emulate his style of play.

Lookman on Mane

In an interview with The Athletic, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finalist emphasised how he has honed his skills around the talented Senegalese player.

"I've always admired Sadio Mane the most," Lookman stated. "His presence in the box, his agility in tight spaces, his movements—I've studied many aspects of his game."

The Al Nassr standout enjoyed a successful career in Europe, winning several trophies, including the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League with Liverpool.

Lookman, however, emphasised his desire to enhance his overall performance and detailed how he works to improve as a player.

"I review my game clips, and it's rewarding to see my performance from a new angle. It gives me confidence that I'm improving in certain areas."

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"I also have mentors who review my game with me. Their insights on specific situations and aspects of my game are valuable for gaining different perspectives."

After 31 rounds of fixtures, Atalanta are sixth in the Italian Serie A with 50 points, two more than Napoli, who have played an extra game. Lookman aims to help Atalanta secure a spot in European competitions.

Lookman sends message to teammates

Earlier, Sports Brief highlighted Lookman's uplifting social media post, which boosted the morale of his Nigerian teammates after the AFCON final in Abidjan.

The 26-year-old winger emerged as Nigeria's standout player in the knockout stages, netting three crucial goals out of the team's four.