Leicester: Five Lookman goals that prove he is the right man
By Will Kennedy
4.) Borussia Monchengladbach vs RB Leipzig [0-1] – 3rd February 2018
Lookman’s debut goal for Everton certainly shot him to stardom, but he struggled to consistently feature for Everton afterwards. The winger had recently turned 20 and needed more than just his 14 appearances. Everton decided that a loan would best suit their young talent, and a rising giant in RB Leipzig came calling.
The move was a short-term deal, which would last until the end of the season. Lookman made an immediate impact at Leipzig in their 1-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach.
The game was drawn at 0-0 the 78th minute, leading to Ralph Hasenhuttl to take to his bench, bringing left-winger Bruma off for Lookman. By the 89th minute, a 0-0 draw seemed to be the result, but Lookman had other ideas.
Whilst Lookman was brought on to play on the left, Naby Keita found the youngster charging through the middle of the pitch. Lookman’s run started 35 yards from goal as he charged his way through the ‘Gladbach midfield and defence towards the right of the penalty area.
Not wanting to limit his angle, Lookman released a shot early in the box – on that same right foot – and slotted his shot across goalkeeper Sippel and into the bottom-left corner. A composed shot, and another debut goal for Lookman.
This one was different to his Everton goal, he had much more time to think about this one and carried the ball forwards 20 yards or so before releasing his shot. Leicester City fans will take great joy from seeing the winger score another goal from the right, as well as Lookman’s ability to run and dribble from deep. In many ways, this goal is more promising than his Everton debut.
3.) RB Leipzig vs Wolfsburg [4-1] – 5th May 2018
A second goal from Lookman’s loan stint at Leipzig, though this one highlights a different aspect of Lookman’s play. First, the elephant in the room here, Lookman has predominantly played on the left. Leicester City really do need a right sided winger. I hope that the first two goals have highlighted that Lookman can play and score on the right.
Foxes fans, don’t dismay. Lookman has shown he is capable on either wing – though his preferred position is the left – he has played on the right on multiple occasions. But don’t get your hopes down, because Lookman’s first goal in a 4-1 win over Wolfsburg, showcases his true potential.
The goal comes as Leipzig have possession within the Wolfsburg box. Jean-Kevin Augustin runs forward on the left side of the box, pulls the ball back and finds Lookman who charges his way just in front of the 6 yard box and smashes a first-time shot home into the goal.
So why is this goal so encouraging? Find the goal for yourselves and see who it reminds you of. A certain Harvey Barnes you say? I know, I know, we already have Harvey, but cover for him isn’t a bad thing whatsoever.
We saw last season how badly Leicester missed him when he was injured. And if Lookman holds all the instincts that Harvey has – but can do that on the right – then it spells danger for opposition defences.
Lookman scored again in that game, before grabbing a goal and two assists for Leipzig in their final game. Overall, Lookman finished his loan at Leipzig with five goals and four assists from just eleven appearances. Not bad at all.