“If he didn’t have”- Atalanta boss Gasperini reveals vital elements that propelled Ademola Lookman to Balon d’Or success

Atalanta coach Gian Pero Gasperini has expressed elation at Ademola Lookman’s 14th-place finish in the Balon d’Or rankings, but he believes the Nigerian could not achieved it without his teammates, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman achieved a career high on Monday, as he was ranked 14th in the Balon d’Or rankings. It was his first-ever nomination, and he finished above stars like Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and others.

Lookman achieved this feat after am impressive campaign with Atalanta, when he registered 16 goals and ten assists in 45 appearances. He was also outstanding in the run-up to Nigerian’s final finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Atalanta coach Gasperini was clearly excited about his star man’s success, but he says Lookman would not have made the Balon d’Or rankings if not for his teammates.

“He (Lookman) already knows that he wouldn’t be here if he didn’t have De Roon, Ederson, Djimsiti and that whole group behind him. It’s not guaranteed that he would have done the same thing had he been playing for a different team,” Gasperini told Football Italia.

Next up for Lookman is the CAF Awards. He is one of the nominees, and he is odds on favourite to succeed Victor Osimhen.