José Peseiro, the former head coach of Nigeria, feels that Ademola Lookman has developed into a player with the same level of influence as Victor Osimhen in the Super Eagles locker room and that the attacker has all the resources necessary to have a significant impact at Atletico Madrid.
Although Osimhen has long been referred to as Nigeria’s talisman, Peseiro maintains that the discourse has changed. He believes that Lookman is on par with the Napoli striker in terms of relevance because of his performance over the last two years for both club and country.
Although Osimhen was the main attraction, Lookman did not support him. He has actually scored more goals. They are both important players now,” he informed Marca.
Lookman’s hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final for Atalanta BC was cited by the former Super Eagles manager as evidence that the 28-year-old can perform well on the biggest platforms. He implied that the performance was not an isolated incident.
Lookman has subtly amassed a stellar record at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the international front. He personally contributed to 11 goals in 13 appearances over the previous two tournaments, helping Nigeria win silver and bronze with six goals and five assists.
Claims that Lookman can be temperamental were dismissed by Peseiro, who has always had faith in the forward during his tenure as manager. He spoke instead of a player who reacts to faith and flourishes when given the freedom to express himself.
He stated, “Lookman is very easy to manage; you just have to let him be free.” He doesn’t act like a star.
Lookman’s early performances in Spain, according to the Portuguese coach, demonstrated his ready for a new chapter. Nevertheless, he has called for patience as the forward gets used to his new environment.
“His quality is the only explanation for his performance three days following his arrival. He still needs to adjust, so we must maintain our composure, but it is already obvious that he does not feel under pressure. Lookman has the ability to create exceptional seasons and usher in a new era at Atletico if you allow him the opportunity to be himself and embrace his audacity and inventiveness, Peseiro stated.
Ademola Lookman’s long-held goal of joining Atletico Madrid
For Lookman, the move to Madrid is more than just a transfer. According to Peseiro, it is the realization of a lifelong dream.
As he has accomplished his goal of joining one of the top teams in Europe and continuing to show England that they were wrong to sign him, he stated, “For him, it is a challenge and a very important step.”
According to Peseiro, Lookman’s comeback has its origins in discussions from 2022. The forward had experienced erratic stints with Everton FC, RB Leipzig, Fulham FC, and Leicester City FC at that point in his quest for consistency and rhythm.
He also carried disappointment from his time with England on the international front. Senior recognition never came, even though they advanced to the Under-21 level and helped win the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Even though he was still young, he frequently expressed his sadness to me over England ceasing to call him up after he won the Under-20 World Cup in 2017 and advanced to the Under-21s. He had to accept that even if he didn’t understand it and thought he had a future there, Peseiro disclosed.
Lookman has added grit to his flair as he approaches what many consider to be a football player’s prime. Peseiro attributes his improved defensive play and physical toughness to his experience in Italy.
“He is now more whole and mature. He is able to beat opponents one-on-one, shoot, and pass. He has also made significant physical and defensive progress,” he added.
He told me that although training in Italy was more difficult for him than in Germany or England, he made the necessary development. He is resilient and really professional. He battles, presses, defends, and has great physical strength, even if it is not immediately apparent.
Lookman’s old coach feels that his biggest impact occurs when he plays centrally, even if he can unnerve opponents from a distance.
“He can make good diagonal runs and destabilize opponents on the wing, but he performs best behind the forward. He can shoot, dribble, or help when he has room inside. He continued, “That’s where he is most decisive.”
