Ademola Lookman: A Rising Star in Football
Early Life and Background
Of Nigerian descent, Lookman grew up in a football-loving environment, which fostered his passion for the sport from a young age. He attended St. Thomas the Apostle College in Peckham, where he balanced academics with his growing football ambitions.
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Youth Career
Lookman’s football journey began at a relatively late age compared to many professional players. He joined the youth academy of Waterloo FC, a local team, and quickly made a name for himself with his impressive skills and goal-scoring ability. His performances caught the attention of Charlton Athletic, who brought him into their academy in 2014.
Breakthrough at Charlton Athletic
Lookman’s rise at Charlton Athletic was meteoric. He joined the club’s U18 side and, due to his outstanding performances, was quickly promoted to the first team. He made his senior debut for Charlton on November 3, 2015, against MK Dons in the Championship. Despite Charlton’s struggles that season, Lookman’s talent shone through, and he became one of the few bright spots in a challenging campaign.
His breakthrough moment came in December 2015 when he scored his first professional goals, netting twice against Bolton Wanderers. His performances earned him the EFL Young Player of the Month award for December 2015 and significant attention from top-flight clubs.
Move to Everton
In January 2017, Everton signed Lookman for a fee reported to be around £7.5 million, a substantial amount for a teenager from a Championship club. Lookman made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut in a 4-0 victory against Manchester City, an impressive feat that showcased his potential on a bigger stage.
However, his time at Everton was marked by inconsistency. He struggled to secure a regular starting spot under managers Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce, and Marco Silva. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, including notable performances in the FA Cup and Europa League, Lookman found it challenging to adapt fully to the Premier League’s demands.
Loan to RB Leipzig
Seeking more regular playing time, Lookman joined German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig on loan in January 2018. Lookman flourished in Leipzig’s attacking setup, scoring five goals and providing four assists in just 11 appearances during his half-season loan. His performances impressed the Leipzig management, and the club pursued a permanent deal.
Permanent Transfer to RB Leipzig
In July 2019, Lookman secured a permanent move to RB Leipzig for a reported fee of £22.5 million. Despite a promising start, his second stint at the club was less successful. He struggled with form and injuries, making only a handful of appearances and failing to replicate the impact of his loan spell.
Loan to Fulham
In October 2020, Lookman returned to the Premier League, joining Fulham on loan for the 2020-2021 season. At Fulham, Lookman rediscovered his form and confidence. He became a key player for the Cottagers, providing pace, creativity, and crucial goals, including memorable strikes against Sheffield United and Leicester City. Despite Fulham’s relegation at the end of the season, Lookman’s individual performances were widely praised.
Move to Leicester City
In August 2021, Lookman joined Leicester City on a season-long loan, seeking to continue his development in the Premier League. At Leicester, he contributed significantly, scoring important goals in both domestic and European competitions. His versatility, capable of playing on either wing or as an attacking midfielder, made him a valuable asset for manager Brendan Rodgers.
International Career
Lookman’s international career has been a subject of much interest and debate. Eligible to represent both England and Nigeria, he initially played for England at various youth levels, including the U19, U20, and U21 teams. He was part of the England U20 squad that won the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2017, highlighting his potential on the international stage.
In 2022, Lookman made the decision to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria, the country of his heritage. This move was warmly received by Nigerian fans, who were excited about the prospect of Lookman adding his talents to the Super Eagles’ squad. He made his debut for Nigeria in March 2022 during the World Cup qualifiers.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ademola Lookman is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to change the course of a game with his creativity and vision. Primarily a winger, he can play on either flank or in a central attacking role, providing flexibility to his team’s tactical setup. Lookman’s low center of gravity, combined with his quick feet, allows him to navigate through tight spaces and take on defenders with ease.
One of Lookman’s standout attributes is his ability to cut inside from the wing and shoot with precision. He has a keen eye for goal and can score from long-range efforts, as well as finding himself in the right place at the right time for tap-ins. Additionally, his crossing ability and willingness to track back and support defensively make him a well-rounded player.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite his undeniable talent, Lookman’s career has been somewhat inconsistent, often due to managerial changes, injuries, and fluctuating form. However, his performances at Fulham and Leicester City have demonstrated his capability to thrive in the Premier League when given regular playing time and confidence from the management.
Looking ahead, focus will be on establishing himself as a key player for Atalanta, where he transferred permanently in July 2022. The move to Serie A offers a new challenge and an opportunity to further develop his game in a different footballing environment. His adaptability and positive attitude will be crucial in making a success of this new chapter in his career.
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Conclusion
Ademola Lookman’s journey through football has been marked by notable highs and challenging lows. From his early days at Charlton Athletic to his experiences across England, Germany, and now Italy, has shown resilience and a commitment to realizing his potential. As he continues to grow and evolve, both club and country fans will be eagerly watching to see how he harnesses his talents and contributes to the beautiful game.
