Atalanta manager Ivan Juric has defended the form of Ademola Lookman and is confident the forward will return to his devastating best, SportPremi reports.
The reigning African footballer of the year award winner missed the first few matches of the season, but is yet to hit top form since his return to the squad.
Lookman was locked in a transfer battle with the club in the summer, following interest from rivals Inter Milan and even handed in a transfer request, seeking an exit from the club.
The Nigerian winger also refused to train with his teammates and missed the entire preseason, after failing to secure a move.
The Super Eagles winger was reinstated into the squad a few weeks ago and made his second European start of the campaign in La Dea’s goalless draw against Slavia Prague on Wednesday.
In his 62 minutes on the pitch, the 28-year-old playing in his preferred left-wing position failed to trouble the opponents and could not muster an effort on goal.
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Atalanta remain in 17th-place on four points after the disappointing draw and must now improve in their subsequent matches to stand a chance of securing automatic ticket into the knockout stages of the competition.
Juric defends lackluster Lookman performance
Ademola Lookman has been one of the best performers in the world since his move to Italy just over three years ago.
However, the Nigerian forward has struggled to reach those standards this season, with several underwhelming displays.
Speaking after the match, Atalanta manager Ivan Juric remains confident that Lookman, as well as other key members of the squad will rediscover their top form soon.
“I understand the reasoning, but I think we have valuable players”, Juric said.
“Besides Scamacca, who can be devastating, we have players like Lookman, Crstoic, and Ademola who often get close to scoring.
“Right now, we’re lacking clarity in the final meters. For example, Ademola is usually devastating between the third and fifth steps, when he gets going at speed, but lately we haven’t been able to exploit him as we know how.”, he added.
“We need to improve there, with more composure and conviction.”
