Ademola Lookman delivered an exceptional performance, earning the title of Man of the Match as Atalanta triumphed over Verona with a resounding 6-1 victory in Serie A on Saturday.
The Europa League champions showcased their dominance, with Lookman playing a crucial role by scoring twice and providing two assists.
In addition to his two goals and assists, Lookman was active throughout the match, registering six touches in Verona’s penalty area, taking four shots, and winning four duels. He also showcased his defensive prowess by winning four tackles, landing three shots on target, and creating two scoring opportunities.
Lookman kicked off the scoring for Atalanta by assisting Marten De Roon’s goal in the sixth minute. Just eight minutes later, he set up Charles De Ketelaere for the team’s third goal. The Nigerian winger then made his mark on the score sheet in the 29th minute, netting Atalanta’s fourth goal, before completing his standout display with another goal in the 34th minute.
This victory elevated Atalanta to fourth place in the league standings, now sitting on 16 points, six points behind leaders Napoli. This season, Lookman has been in fine form, scoring four goals and providing four assists in just six Serie A appearances, and amassing a total of five goals and four assists across nine matches in all competitions.
Recently, the former Everton and Leicester player earned a spot on the 10-man shortlist for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, joining notable names like Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.
Notably, Lookman is also the only African player nominated for the prestigious 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, with the winner set to be announced on October 28, 2024, at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.