Pundits score Lookman 10, Boniface 5.5 as Crouch and Cole praise Eagles forward
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman scored 10 out of 10 for his glowing performance in the final of the Europa League.
Lookman’s compatriots Victor Boniface who came in as a substitute for Stanisic in the 45th minute got 5.5, while the score for Nathan Tella who was introduced for Frimpong in the 81 was not available.
Meanwhile, TNT Sports pundits Peter Crouch and Joe Cole were left enamoured by Lookman's hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, where Atalanta shocked an undefeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0. Xabi Alonso's runaway Bundesliga champions arrived as firm favourites after 51 games undefeated, but they were humbled in Dublin as Lookman showed his clinical nature in front of goal.
Lookman, who grew up in south London, had played for a whole host of clubs in England - as well as a loan spell in Germany - before settling down in Italy, finding a place to call home in Bergamo.
His journey - and his performance - wowed former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur striker Crouch.
“Honestly, this is why you play football,” Crouch said. “Somebody like Lookman, who’s been around, a footballing nomad at times, somebody who’s been Sunday League, to Charlton, to Fulham on loan, Leicester, Leipzig, he’s gone around the houses to get to the moment where he’s found a home today and scored a hat-trick in a European final. It’s an amazing story.
“Those fans will never forget the name of Ademola Lookman. It’s sensational.
"It’s emotional for him. His family, I’m sure. It was a footballing masterclass from Gasperini. They were brilliant as a team, but I’m so pleased for Lookman.”
Cole agreed, highlighting Lookman’s route to stardom, and his south London roots.
“For Lookman, a kid from Wandsworth, who played in the cages, playing street football, going around the houses, not finding a place where he’s at home, he’s found a home here,” Cole said.
“They will love him forever. His name will be etched into the club’s history. This is what the moments are all about.
“A kid, who couldn’t find a club, couldn’t find a home, super talented, he’s gone and done it. Fair play to him and his family. Enjoy the moment.”
Cole also waxed lyrical about the tactical masterstroke deployed by the Atalanta manager Gasperini.
“Gasperini is a talented manager and he's finally got the silverware at this club,” Cole continued.
“His quote, when talking about the Super League, he said ‘We as a club, we can give hope to the rest of football as a meritocracy’. It’s what makes the game beautiful.
"A little club like Atalanta can come and take on the greats of Europe and go and win.”
