Former England international Peter Crouch has shared his thoughts on Atalanta attacker Ademola Lookman, who now plays for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
Lookman was born in England to Nigerian parents, making him eligible to play for both the Three Lions and Nigeria. He chose to represent the Super Eagles, making his debut under Augustine Eguavoen in May 2022.
Since then, the former Everton forward has earned 21 caps and scored six goals, with half of those coming during his debut participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Lookman Shines in Europa League
Lookman spent much of his career in the English league but struggled at Everton, leading to loan spells before finding his footing at RB Leipzig. His performances there caught the attention of Serie A side Atalanta BC.
Recently, Lookman delivered an impressive performance in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League final, scoring a hat-trick to secure a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
This feat was praised by Crouch and former Chelsea forward Joe Cole, who both believe Lookman's name will be remembered by Atalanta fans.
“This is why you play football. Lookman, who's been a footballing nomad, has finally found a home and scored a hat-trick in a European cup final,” Crouch told TNT Sport. “It's an amazing story, and those fans will never forget the name Ademola Lookman.”
"Those fans will never forget the name of Ademola Lookman"@petercrouch reflects on one of the great European final performances from Lookman tonight ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pdRcKJcSzc
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 22, 2024
Cole echoed these sentiments, highlighting Lookman’s journey from South London’s street football to European success.
“For Lookman, a kid from Wandsworth, who played in the cages, he's found a home here,” Cole said. “His name will be etched into the club’s history. This is what the moments are all about.”
Crouch on Lookman Playing for Super Eagles
According to OGN, Crouch believes Lookman could have played for the England senior team had he been more patient.
The AFCON 2023 hero rose through the ranks, playing for England's youth teams, including the U-16 and U-19 squads.
“He could have easily played for England like his U20 teammates if he was patient,” Crouch said.
Lookman will next feature for the Super Eagles in their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic, as named in Finidi George’s squad list.
