Lookman Set for Redemption Against Eintracht Frankfurt
When Eintracht Frankfurt takes on Atalanta B.C. in the Champions League this Wednesday evening, attention will be drawn to a particular player with a point to prove in Frankfurt. Following his standout performance in the 2024 Europa League final, he has earned a reputation as a serious threat in the Bundesliga. We’re referring to Ademola Lookman.
A Troubling History with Eintracht
In his tenure with RB Leipzig, Lookman faced Eintracht Frankfurt four times, with a less-than-ideal outcome from his perspective: three losses, all at Frankfurt’s home ground, and he failed to register any goals or assists. Consequently, SGE has become somewhat of a nemesis for him.
Prominence in Italian Football
In 2022, Lookman departed Leipzig to join Atalanta for nearly ten million euros. After a challenging period filled with numerous loan spells, he finally found his footing in beautiful northern Italy.
During the 2022/23 season, he notched up 21 goal contributions, followed by 19 in the subsequent year. The pinnacle of his journey came with his stunning hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, a dominant force that season.
Lookman’s exceptional performance saw him score all three goals in a surprising 3-0 victory, which catapulted him into the spotlight across Europe. Since that day, Bundesliga teams have learned to take his talent seriously.
Transition from Triumph to Turmoil
The following season saw Lookman maintaining his form, contributing 20 goals in Serie A and seven in the Champions League. Naturally, interest in him surged, especially from Inter Milan, which he expressed a desire to join, even applying pressure through social media. However, the move ultimately fell through, leading to a tense atmosphere in Bergamo.
The relationship between Lookman and coach Ivan Juric became strained, with Juric openly criticizing Lookman’s perceived lack of effort and benching him on several occasions at the season’s outset.
Tensions peaked during a Champions League match against Olympique Marseille when Lookman reacted angrily after being substituted. Juric’s attempt to assertively guide him back sparked a heated exchange, necessitating intervention from staff to defuse the situation. This incident gained significant media attention, highlighting the escalating tensions.
Lookman’s Chance to Shine in Frankfurt
With Juric no longer at the helm, Lookman remains with Atalanta, but discussions regarding his future and unrest within the squad continue. This creates a unique backdrop for his return to Frankfurt, a venue where he has yet to leave a mark. He likely aims to demonstrate that Frankfurt is no longer an intimidating venue for him. The 27-year-old is acutely aware that since his hat-trick against Leverkusen, he is no longer underestimated by teams in Germany.
If Lookman manages to replicate his impressive form against a Bundesliga side, a resounding victory for Atalanta could be on the cards. After all, both of Frankfurt’s Champions League home matches this season ended in a 5-1 rout for their opponents. A thrilling encounter seems inevitable, especially with Lookman in the spotlight.
