Celtic coach Brendan Rodgers has lavished praise on Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League clash with Atalanta on Wednesday, softfootball.com reports.
Atalanta and Celtic will face off in what will be the third game for both clubs in this season’s Champions League campaign. With each team securing just one win from their first two matches, Wednesday’s clash is pivotal for both sides.
Atalanta, led by the in-form Lookman, enter the match as slight favorites. The Nigerian winger has been one of La Dea’s standout performers since last season and has already found the net in this year’s Champions League.
Rodgers, who previously worked with Lookman at Leicester City, took a moment ahead of the match to reflect on his time coaching the talented winger and shared glowing remarks about the 25-year-old.
“He’s an absolutely brilliant young player. We stayed in contact, and when I was at Leicester, we were looking to bring in another winger. We inquired about his availability when he was at Red Bull,” Rodgers said.
“When he came in, he was absolutely brilliant for me that season. He scored some outstanding goals, and I particularly remember an incredible solo effort against Liverpool.”
Rodgers continued, emphasizing Lookman’s professionalism and commitment to his craft: “When he arrived at Leicester, you could see his focus and dedication. Everything in his life is geared toward being the best he can be.
Watching him in that Europa League final, and seeing the goals he scored, they were no accident. He’s so balanced and can shoot with both feet equally well.”
Lookman has continued to shine since his time under Rodgers, most recently grabbing a hat-trick in last year’s final. Rodgers didn’t hide his admiration, adding, “He’s an absolutely incredible young professional. Seeing him score that hat-trick last year was amazing.”
As Atalanta look to secure a vital victory at Bergamo, all eyes will be on Lookman, who will aim to add to his impressive tally and guide La Dea to another Champions League win.