'One of the most dedicated professionals I've seen' - Ex-coach hails Ademola Lookman for his work ethic 

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has earned high praise from his former manager Stuart Gray for his relentless work ethic and dedication to improvement.

Lookman, who is in contention to face Liverpool in the Europa League on Thursday having been named in Atalanta's traveling squad, has impressed many with his performances in Serie A.

Born in London, Lookman has carved out a successful career for himself, starting his journey in England's Sunday league football before being scouted by Charlton Athletic at the age of 16.

The 26-year-old's dedication paid off when he secured a transfer to Everton in 2017 for £11 million.

He even managed to score on his debut against Manchester City, a match that inflicted the heaviest defeat of Pep Guardiola's managerial career in the Premier League.

However, his time at Everton was short-lived, and he moved to RB Leipzig two years later for a fee of £22.5 million.

Loan spells at Fulham and Leicester followed due to limited playing time at Leipzig.

It was finally at Atalanta that Lookman truly flourished. With 24 goals in 65 games for the Italian club, he has become a key player.

Lookman even outshone the highly-rated Victor Osimhen, Napoli's £130 million rated striker, during the recent Africa Cup of Nations where Nigeria finished runners-up.

Gray, who was assistant manager to Scott Parker at Fulham, recalled having to manage Lookman's workload in an exclusive interview with The Sun: 

"He's one of the most dedicated professionals I've seen who just wanted to work hours and hours on the training pitch.

"He was first in the building and would leave when the staff did.

"The biggest thing was trying to educate him that Saturday when we played was most important. We had to drag him off the training ground!

"He would stay back for hours working on technical work, taking free-kicks, crossing or shooting.

"It was a case of restricting the time he wanted out on the training pitch, the amount of shots he would take, to make sure he had enough energy for us at the weekend.

"It was knackering for our goalkeeper who had to face him!"

Italy appears to be a good fit for the former England youth international's style of play. Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini utilizes him effectively in the attacking positions behind the striker, taking advantage of his tireless pressing, excellent finishing, and ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations.

The Nigerian international is likely to attract transfer interest again this summer, as Atalanta are known for selling their star players.

A prime example is Rasmus Hojlund, who moved to Manchester United for a staggering £72 million last July.

Ejim Kaycee

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