Ademola Lookman has been listed in the starting line-up for Atalanta ahead of their all-important UEFA Europa League final against unbeaten and in-form German champions, Bayer Leverkusen.
Lookman is in a front three comprising Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere. The club will be banking on the brilliance of the Nigeria international who was voted Europa League’s Player of the Week in the second leg of their semi-final win against Olympique Marseille.
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However, Lookman’s compatriot, Victor Boniface will be starting from the bench for Leverkusen. The trio of Alejandro Grimaldo, Florian Wirtz and Amine Adli was Xabi Alonso’s preferred starting choice.
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Boniface has found it difficult to return to the starting XI since returning from a hamstring injury that saw him miss three months of action.
Head coach Xabi Alonso has also alluded to his lack of large playing time as a result of the injury he suffered while on international duty with Nigeria in January of 2024.
“After the injury, it takes time. But we have a wide squad with so many players, and they all want to be on the pitch. I like it when someone is not playing, and he shows the character to prove me wrong as a coach. That is the challenge and the professional thing,” Alonso said.
“I am happy with Boni. His impact this season has helped us so much. We are helping him, too, get back on track. Tell people from Nigeria that we are happy with him.”
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