In a recent statement, Super Eagles’ winger Ademola Lookman revealed that Senegalese star player Sadio Mane is his role model and primary inspiration, citing the latter’s dynamic style as a blueprint for his own game.
Mane, an iconic figure in African football, carved a name for himself in the English Premier League with his transition from a winger to a world-class inside forward, Footballrover reports.
Renowned for his impeccable pressing, dribbling prowess, and lightning speed, Mane left a huge mark during his stint with Liverpool, netting an impressive tally of 120 goals in 269 appearances across various competitions.
The Senegalese star’s trophy cabinet gleams with prestigious titles, including the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and FIFA Club World Cup, attained during his illustrious tenure with the Reds.
Mane’s dominance extended to the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, where he clinched the league title and the DFL Super Cup in his only season with the German giants before departing in 2022.
Drawing parallels to Mane’s journey so far, Lookman has seamlessly switched from a winger to an inside forward, displaying remarkable scoring ability on the pitch both for club and country.
The Nigerian international acknowledged Mane’s influence on his development, admitting to studying the Senegalese ace’s gameplay extensively.
In Lookman’s words to the Athletic,
“The guy who I always looked at the most would have to be Sadio Mane. Looking at his threat in the box, his threat in those little tight spaces, his movement—I have watched a lot of his game in particular.”
Lookman’s impact reverberates in Serie A, where he enjoyed a prolific debut season with Atalanta, netting 13 goals.
With eight goals already in the current campaign, he stands tall as one of Atalanta’s top scorers, showing a relentless drive for improvement.
While expressing his commitment to honing his craft, Lookman noted,
“I watch my clips back, and it’s nice to be able to see your performance from a different perspective. It gives you more belief in knowing that you’re getting better and developing in certain areas.”
With Atalanta currently occupying the sixth spot in the Italian Serie A standings, Lookman aims to propel his team to a European finish, revitalising the prospect of continental football in Bergamo for the upcoming season.
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