Why Iheanacho should mirror Lookman’s success in Italy

Iheanacho showed so much promise, but he has not lived up to the expectations.

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman netted a brace and added an assist for Atalanta in their entertaining 3-3 draw against Juventus.

For Lookman, Sunday’s performance was the highlight of his stay in Italy this season. And it shows growth as much as it oozes progression.

Leicester City refused to sign him before the expiration of his loan deal last summer. He then had to return to his parent club RB Leipzig, who shipped him off to Atalanta for €9million, half of the fee they paid Everton for him in 2019.

Last season, Lookman made scored 26 appearances in the Premier League, ten of which were off the bench. This season, he has made 18 appearances for Atalanta, and he has started in 14 of those games.

The 25-year-old is enjoying his best-ever campaign with eleven Serie A goals. And it is clear that he has become an important component of Gian Pero Gasperini’s setup at Bergamo.

Lookman’s career has been nomadic, but the switch to Italian football was an entirely new territory, especially for an England-born player. Still, he has embraced the challenge, and he is currently on top.

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has struggled at Leicester City since last season. Under Brendan Rodgers, he has become a squad player.

Following his heroics of two seasons ago, one would expect that Iheanacho would get more playing time. However, that has been far from the situation.

Last season, Iheanacho made just nine starts in the Premier League. This season, 13 of his 14 appearances have been from the bench, and he has just one goal to show.

In fact, Rodgers has admitted that Iheanacho does not get enough playing time because he does not fit well into his style.

Iheanacho is behind Patson Daka and Jamie Vardy in the pecking order of strikers at the King Power. And the statistics do not even justify Rodgers’ decision, as while Daka has scored three times in nine starts, Vardy has just one goal in eleven starts.

It is clear that Iheanacho is not wanted at Leicester City, but with the talent that he has, he should strive for better.

Lookman has changed environment, and his decision has paid off. Perhaps, Iheanacho should start thinking about switching to a team where his services would be valued and put to effective use.