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Atalanta coach Ivan Juric believes Ademola Lookman is on the right path to getting back to his best as the Nigerian forward returns from international duty.
Ademola Lookman, 27, the reigning Africa’s Player of the Year, has endured a rocky start to the new campaign, failing to register a goal or an assist for club or country since his return to the pitch last month.
Naija News reports that Lookman’s summer in Bergamo was overshadowed by transfer drama. Atalanta reportedly turned down strong offers from Inter Milan, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich, a move that left the winger frustrated. His disappointment saw him skip pre-season training and refuse to feature in the team’s first four matches, prompting Juric to call out his attitude in public.
In recent weeks, however, the tone around the player has changed. Juric has praised Lookman’s effort and mindset in training, though he insists there is still more work to be done.
“I hope that he will return from international duty with the same attitude that I saw in the last two or three weeks that he worked with us, where I had no complaints,” Juric told Sport Mediaset via Football Italia. “It was a great attitude, really positive, and I want to make up for the time we lost over the summer. He is not yet at his best, but I hope to see the right spirit from him.”
Lookman could make his return to the starting lineup when Atalanta face Lazio in Serie A on Sunday. The competition for attacking roles has grown tougher, with Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana impressing since arriving in the summer.
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