Leicester City’s search for a new right-winger has been long documented and goes much further than the recent transfer window. 2018 saw the departure of Riyad Mahrez and a huge gap in the squad.
Since that era, Leicester have tried to fill that gap with Rachid Ghezzal, Ayoze Perez, Cengiz Under, and now, Ademola Lookman. All three have had varying degrees of success at the club, but none have been the winger Leicester have needed. Ghezzal has come to life in Turkey but has shown that the Premier League is just not suited for him.
Ayoze Perez has filled the gap but has garnered consistent criticism from fans and has shown to be much more effective when played centrally. Under was promising, but his lack of defensive pressing meant he was never truly trusted by Brendan Rodgers. However, on deadline day, Leicester City welcomed in a new face on the wing: Ademola Lookman.
During the transfer window, the Foxes had been linked with Italy and Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi, PSV’s English-born Noni Madueke and Ajax’s want-away Brazilian star David Neres. Perhaps these big names were the reason that Foxes’ fans seemed to have a mixed reaction over Lookman’s signature.
But Lookman is a sensible transfer and one that offers needed depth in the wings, along with a large amount of untapped potential.From simply watching his performances for Fulham every now and then last season, some Foxes fans may not know how much excitement there has been around Lookman in his career so far.
Here, I’ll break down five of his biggest goals, explain the journey Lookman has been on so far, and the reason why Leicester City should be excited about their new no.19.
5.) Everton vs Manchester City [4-0] – 17th January 2017
Pep Guardiola’s first season at Manchester City provided some interesting results *cough* Leicester City 4 – 2 Man City *cough* and their 4-0 drubbing to Everton was just that. Goals from Romelu Lukaku, Kevin Mirallas and Tom Davies had put Everton 3-0 up against City and, by the 90th minute, the game was comfortable enough for Ronald Koeman to put a teenage-debutant Ademola Lookman on after sealing a £7.5m move to Everton from Charlton Athletic.
Lookman was subbed on for Ross Barkley in the middle of the field. Just as the game was wrapping up, a long ball sent Coleman through on the right-wing. Coleman flicked the ball sideways to find Lookman, who had found space between the two City centre-backs in the box. Lookman gathered the ball with one touch which set him up for a shot on the right side of the 6-yard box.
The angle was tight for the teenager, but Lookman provided a cool powerful right-footed finish from the angle that went through Claudio Bravo’s legs and into the net.
Naturally, the goal shot Lookman right into the limelight. A debut goal against Man City was no mean feat, especially for an English teenager. The goal highlights Lookman’s awareness of space, eagerness to shoot and – most importantly – his predatory instincts.
It was a brief cameo for Lookman, but he made it memorable. Perhaps the most pleasing aspect for Foxes fans, is that Lookman’s goal takes place on the right – the position we would expect him to take up for Leicester.
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.
2.) Sheffield United vs Fulham [1-1] – 18th October 2020
Coming back from Leipzig there was a lot of excitement amongst Everton fans around Lookman, however he failed to meet those expectations in an injury-hit season. He soon found himself out of favour at Goodison and, in 2019 he secured a permanent transfer over to RB Leipzig in hopes of revitalizing his career and building upon his previous time at the club.
Lookman struggled to find the net – and eventually game time in Germany – and yet again found himself out of favour. Newly-promoted Fulham signed Lookman on loan ahead of the 2020/2021 campaign in hopes that his attacking prowess could help keep the club from relegation from the Premier League.
Lookman made his debut at Wolves, coming off of the bench in a 1-0 defeat, before making his first start at Sheffield United. With the game at 0-0 at half time, Fulham needed a bit of magic to inspire them, and Lookman provided just that. Lookman received that ball from just over 20-yards away from the Sheffield goal.
In front of him were a typically tough ‘Blades back-line. Lookman took the ball inside before cutting the ball back outside the left. From there a lovely (if fortuitous) touch took him past the Sheffield line. He’d worked his magic and done the hard part, but could he finish? A fierce blast across goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and into the roof of the net answered that.
Lookman was back in the Premier League, and his first goal for Fulham was in typical style. A mazy dribble followed by a belting finish, Lookman certainly put the attention back on him.
1.) Leicester City vs Fulham [1-2] – 30th November 2020
And now we reach our final goal, and it’s one that Foxes fans will still have in their memory. In many ways, THAT Fulham loss at home cost us a place in the Champions League, but at least it provided many of us a proper look at Ademola Lookman. And it’s perhaps a typical Leicester City goal that he scored.
Leicester had been on top so far in that game but had failed to find the clinical finish. It was up to Fulham and Lookman to teach the Foxes a lesson in finishing. A quick counterattack by Fulham led to Lookman receiving a through-ball 25 yards from the Foxes goal. The ball put Lookman clear on goal, with a struggling Leicester defence completely split in half.
That being said, Lookman still had a lot to do, he could either square it, or go for goal. Goal was his choice as he entered the box and coolly slotted past an oncoming Kasper Schmeichel.
The finish was composed, and Lookman’s run was smart as he broke the off-side line with a well-timed drive forward. It was a fantastic finish to a clinical counterattack. Something Foxes fans will hope to see much more of from their new boy.
Overall, Lookman’s career has been one of promise but not a continued period of consistency, but Lookman is 23. He still has a lot of developing to go, and Leicester are proven at getting the best out of their developing players.
Whether providing an alternative option to a – currently – misfiring Barnes, or by developing his play to suit the right-hand side, Lookman is more smart business by Leicester, especially if he can build upon his previous form.
Perhaps Lookman’s slightly disappointing end result of four goals and four assists for Fulham is what is most concerning to the Foxes faithful, and understandably so: Leicester City need goals from out-wide. But Lookman has shown that he is capable, and that there is untapped potential there. Perhaps the Europa League will be a good breeding ground for his ability.
All that being said, the deal is a loan which is a smart choice by the recruitment team. It allows them to see what Lookman can bring to the team and enables them to not rush into making a final decision. Foxes fans should be excited to see what this young talent can do, but also patient. To grow, he needs time and experience. Just don’t put him on penalties, ey? (Words by Will Kennedy)