‘Not my best performance’ – CAF POTY favourite Lookman reacts after UCL victory against Shakhtar

buddybaba

2 Minutes Read
October 3, 2024

Atalanta attacker Ademola Lookman has downplayed his performance against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, despite helping the Italian side to a comfortable 3-0 victory against the Ukrainian champions, to secure a maiden win in this season’s Champions League competition.

GY0VfIhWAAE5p8X — Lookman scored a goal and provided an assist against Shakhtar (X)

The Super Eagles attacker grabbed a goal and an assist in the game, setting up Berat Djimsiti for the first goal before getting himself on the scoresheet in the first half—a performance that earned him the Player of the Match award.

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Lookman reacts after Shakhtar performance

Despite his excellent display, the former Fulham winger remained grounded, acknowledging in his post-match interview that he could have performed better in the game.

“It wasn’t my best performance, but tonight it was essential to take the three points after the 0-0 draw with Arsenal, Lookman said, as quoted by Bergamo & Sport.

“In Europe, we have a plus, we are on another level. An excellent team performance seasoned with personal happiness for the goal.

“In the league, we had some dips, but we are growing and becoming stronger. Every challenge is important, we want to do our best in both competitions because Serie A is like the Champions League,” he added.

Having contributed to 27 goals in the previous season—a performance that earned him a spot on the Ballon d’Or 30-man shortlist, also making him the clear favourite for the CAF Player of the Year Award—Lookman has started this season in similar fashion with 5 goals and assists in six games so far.

The Atalanta winger will hope his recent performances boost his chances of finishing among the top ten in the Ballon d’Or ranking.