Former Liverpool and current Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has lavished praise on Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, highlighting his remarkable dedication and professionalism.
Since Lookman's heroics in the UEFA Europa League finals, social media has been awash with praise from various personalities for the Nigeria international.
The story would be told someday, surely, about how Bayer Leverkusen came incredibly close to going through the entire 2023/24 season without defeat in all competitions — until, that is, they encountered the five-foot-nine Nigerian giant.
Lookman's Atalanta side will host Celtic in a UEFA Champions League fixture at the Gewiss Stadium on Tuesday.
Rodgers on Lookman: A testament to hard work and talent
Reflecting on Lookman's journey and development, Rodgers shared his thoughts on the player's career trajectory and their time together under his management.
In quotes relayed by the Daily Record, Rodgers highlighted Lookman's commitment to his craft and his heroics in the Europa League final.
“He leads his life in the right way,” he said.
“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 practiced that every day of his life where he could. He would be out with a bag of balls, doing shooting exercises long after everyone else had gone in. Working on his right foot and left foot. He's so balanced. He can shoot up his right foot the same as his left foot.”
During the 2021-22 season, Rodgers had the opportunity to work with Lookman while managing Leicester City, as he joined on loan from RB Leipzig. However, Leicester was unable to facilitate a permanent transfer due to financial constraints.
