Atalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere has praised teammate Ademola Lookman, expressing delight with the winger’s outstanding performances, SportPremi reports.
The Nigerian forward has developed into one of the best performers in the world since joining the Italian club in 2022 and guided them to a historic European title in 2024.
Lookman netted a stunning hat-trick in the final of the 2024 UEFA Europa League as Atalanta cruised to a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, ending their wait for a major trophy with a first-ever European crown.
The Super Eagles superstar was locked in a transfer battle with La Dea in the summer, having seen a proposed move to Inter Milan and Galatasaray declined by the club.
He initially struggled in the opening weeks of the 2025-26 campaign after his reinstatement into the squad, but has found form over the past few weeks.
The 28-year-old netted once and provided another goal in Atalanta’s 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in their last UEFA Champions League match.
The forward will prepare to play his penultimate match for the club against English giants Chelsea on Tuesday night, as he prepares for international duties with Nigeria at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco beginning from the 21st of this month.
De Ketelaere hails Lookman’s performance
Speaking in an interview ahead of the UCL league phase clash against Chelsea on Tuesday, Belgian playmaker Charles De Ketelaere heaped praises on the exceptional displays of the Nigerian forward and teammate Gianluca Scammaca.
“Very good. In Frankfurt, we returned with the same three-man attack from the Dublin final, along with Lookman, and we played well together. He’s improving, and I’m happy for him”, the Belgian revealed
On his time at Atalanta
“I am very proud to wear these colors and to have done well over the years. At Atalanta I took an important step in my career, and tomorrow I expect a great evening even with the fans.
The team gave me the opportunity to grow and I’m happy to play for Atalanta. I care a lot about the good of the team”, he continued.
“I want to continue with this performance even if now the team always counts. I feel good even on the field.
Lookman and Atalanta welcome Chelsea in crucial UCL clash
Atalanta welcome Chelsea to the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo in a match-day six UEFA Champions League clash, with both teams chasing qualification for the knockout stages.
Both sides have amassed 10 points so far and will be eyeing maximum points in Tuesday’s clash with only three matches left to play in the league phase.
Expect a thrilling contest with kickoff set at 9 PM.
