Ademola Lookman played a pivotal role in Atalanta's 3-0 triumph over Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, but the Nigerian forward insists it wasn't his best performance, Soccernet.ng reports.
Despite his goal and assist that helped his team secure their first win in the competition this season, Lookman was quick to downplay his personal impact.
The 26-year-old equalled Duvan Zapata’s UEFA Champions League record for Atalanta by becoming the second player in the club's history to register both a goal and an assist in a single Champions League match.
Lookman set up Berat Djimsiti's opener after 21 minutes and added a second goal just before half-time.
His contribution was crucial, but the forward believes he still has room to improve.
Speaking to Sky Sport via Tutto Atalanta after the match, Lookman said, “Yes, tonight's match was crucial for us. We had to win, especially after the draw against Arsenal.
“It was important to confirm our level with the three points. I think we played a great team performance, even if I personally don't think I played my best match.
“But the objective was the three points, and that's what counts. I'm happy with the goal and the result.”
Lookman also addressed Atalanta's contrasting form in Europe and Serie A.
“It's true, in Europe we are showing excellent levels of play,” he added.” In the league, we have had some declines, but we are growing, and we are becoming stronger with increasingly convincing performances.
“I believe that in Serie A we can also achieve important results, as we demonstrated tonight in the Champions League,” he added.
Looking ahead, Lookman emphasised the need for consistent growth across both competitions:
“Every game is important, both in the league and in Europe. We want to progress in both competitions. Serie A is as important as the Champions League, and the goal is to bring the same winning mentality to every game.”
Lookman’s self-assessment comes after a stellar run of form that included a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final just months ago, leading Atalanta to their first-ever European title.
As a result, he has been tipped as a frontrunner for the CAF Player of the Year award and is also the only African in the final 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or.
