Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has declined to take credit for the development of Ademola Lookman, who was on Monday named the 2024 African Player of the Year at the CAF Awards.
The Nigerian forward won the prestigious honor ahead of PSG’s Achraf Hakimi and Serhou Guirassy, following a remarkable resurgence in his career.
Lookman’s victory as the 2024 African Player of the Year makes him the sixth Nigerian to win the prestigious award, joining the ranks of football legends like Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amuneke, and Victor Osimhen.
The 27-year-old who switched his international allegiance from England to Nigeria, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring crucial goals during the tournament.
Despite Lookman’s transformation into a prolific goalscorer under Gasperini’s guidance, the Italian coach insisted the credit should go to everyone at Atalanta, including the players themselves.
“It’s not my credit, it goes to everyone at Atalanta who help the players to grow,” Gasperini said in an interview with Football Italia.
“They have what it takes, we just help them to bring that out.”
Lookman’s impressive performances have been a key part of Atalanta’s success, with Gasperini previously calling him “among the top players in Europe.”
The forward’s strong season includes eight goals and three assists in Serie A, as well as three goals in the Champions League, including a memorable strike against Real Madrid.
Gasperini said that the team’s collective effort has contributed to Lookman’s growth, and he praised the players’ commitment to improvement.
Lookman will be in action on Sunday, when Atalanta take on Empoli in a Serie A clash seeking to maintain their lead.
Their current form also looks promising, as they lead Serie A with 37 points from 16 matches, two points ahead of second-placed Napoli in the race for the title.
