Former Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has credited Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini for Ademola Lookman's remarkable form.

Lookman, who was recently crowned the African Footballer of the Year has seen his form on an upward trajectory since joining Atalanta in the summer of 2022 from RB Leipzig.

The former Leicester City loanee was Nigeria's standout performer at the 2023 African Cup of Nations, helping Jose Peseiro's side to secure a second place finish after losing in the final to the Elephants of La Cote d'Ivoire.

Additionally, his remarkable form at club level propelled Atalanta to their first Europa League title after scoring a historic hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the final.

“I think giving Lookman the freedom to move around has allowed him to show his quality, both in terms of decision making and execution,” Peseiro told Sport Italia.

“Of course the club and Gasperini have provided Lookman with the environment to grow as a player in all aspects.”