Ademola Lookman stole the show in the 2023/24 Europa League final, netting a memorable hat-trick to beat Bayer Leverkusen single-handedly and inspire Atalanta to their first continental title. In addition to his illustrious performance in the grand final, the 26-year-old enjoyed a superb campaign on all fronts, rightfully earning a flattering award as the club’s player of the season.
Lookman was under the spotlight as Atalanta halted Leverkusen’s unprecedented 51-game unbeaten run across all competitions in the iconic Dublin final. The Nigeria international became the first player to score a hat-trick in a one-legged European final since Pierino Prati in 1969, leading La Dea to a long-overdue continental success.
Equally impressive in Serie A, Lookman bagged 11 goals in 31 league games to help Atalanta secure a return to the Champions League group stages from league action after a two-year hiatus. Indeed, he was one of Gian Piero Gasperini’s most trusted allies last term.
In 45 appearances across all competitions, Lookman tallied 17 goals and 10 assists, highlighting his significance to Atalanta. His superb form overshadowed outstanding exploits from Charles De Ketelaere, Gianluca Scamacca, and Mario Pasalic.
The latter, who flamed out of the Euro 2024 group phase with Croatia, will stay in Bergamo despite attracting interest from abroad. However, Atalanta could part with creative midfielder Teun Koopmeiners. The Dutchman has caught the eye of Juventus and Liverpool.
While Atalanta would ideally keep hold of their first-team stalwart, they’ll probably have to stay immune to tempting offers to fend off his suitors.
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