He is irreplaceable — Atalanta boss Gasperini makes Ademola Lookman admission

He is irreplaceable — Atalanta boss Gasperini makes Ademola Lookman admission

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 18:30 - 24.01.2025

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has revealed that there is no replacement for Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman.

Ademola Lookman has received high praise following his impressive performance in Atalanta's 5-0 win over Sturm Graz in the UEFA Champions League.

Lookman, who came on at halftime, scored the team's fourth goal in the 90th minute, taking his goal tally for the season to 14 in 26 games across all competitions.

His standing as Atalanta's most important player means he must be protected from injuries at all costs.

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Gasperini discussed his decision to rotate players and emphasised the need to be careful with the Nigerian to avoid injuries.

"We have to be careful because right now we don't have a replacement for Lookman and De Ketelaere unless Zaniolo becomes that type of player," he said to Sky Sport.

Ademola Lookman celebrates another important goal for Atalanta.
Ademola Lookman celebrating a goal for Atalanta ||Imago

The Atalanta manager stressed the significance of having players who can make a decisive impact when coming off the bench.

"I believe that the attack is fundamental, having players like [Lookman] who can come in and be decisive is important," he noted.

Lookman, the reigning African Player of the Year, will need to be fit and available for Atalanta to stand a chance of winning Serie A, and going as far as possible in the Champions League.

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