Brendan Rodgers has pinpointed Ademola Lookman as the key danger for his Celtic side as they prepare to face Atalanta in tonight’s Champions League fixture in Bergamo.
Rodgers, who managed Lookman during their time together at Leicester City in the 2021/22 season, is well aware of the winger’s abilities and the threat he poses.
The two enjoyed a successful season at Leicester, with Rodgers steering the Foxes to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.
After various loan spells at clubs such as Fulham and RB Leipzig, Lookman has blossomed in Italy since his move to Atalanta two years ago.
The reported €15 million fee paid by the Serie A side to Leipzig now looks like a bargain, with the Nigerian international’s value having skyrocketed thanks to his consistent performances.
Lookman cemented his place in Atalanta’s history last season by scoring a memorable hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
The 27-year-old’s display at the Dublin Arena secured the trophy for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, and in doing so, Lookman became the first player to score a hat-trick in a European final since Pierino Prati’s treble for AC Milan in 1969.
Recognised for his outstanding performances both domestically and in Europe, Lookman has earned a nomination for this year’s Ballon d’Or, with the ceremony just five days away.
Rodgers, speaking ahead of the clash, heaped praise on his former player, saying: “He’s an absolutely brilliant young player. We stayed in contact, and when I was at Leicester, we wanted to bring in another winger and inquired about his availability when he was at Red Bull.
“And he came in and he was absolutely brilliant for me in that season. He was there, he scored some outstanding goals. I remember a great individual goal against Liverpool.”
Rodgers added: “When he came to Leicester, you could see everything he was. He leads his life in the right way.
“Everything is geared towards being the best he can be. Watching him in that Europa League final, the goals he scored were not by accident.
“He’s so balanced. He can shoot with his right foot the same as his left foot. He’s an absolutely incredible young professional. To see him score the hat-trick in the final last year was absolutely amazing.”
Atalanta a Formidable Test for Celtic:
Facing an Atalanta side brimming with confidence and firepower, Rodgers’ Celtic team will need to be at their very best to stand a chance in Bergamo.
The free-flowing style of Gasperini’s men, with Lookman at the heart of their attack, is a daunting challenge for the Scottish champions.
Celtic’s recent struggles away from home in Europe have been well-documented, with their performance against Borussia Dortmund serving as a painful reminder of their vulnerabilities on the road. Rodgers knows that his team cannot afford another disappointing night in Europe.
The Hoops will need to summon a much-improved performance to leave Bergamo with a result. “It’s about time Celtic produced something special in Europe,” Rodgers hinted.
For Celtic, tonight’s game is an opportunity not only to contain Lookman but to restore some pride on the Champions League stage.