Scout Report – Ademola Lookman
Derby County are looking at bringing in Everton forward Ademola Lookman this summer to bolster their striking options. The Everton boy is a really talented young lad and let’s have a detailed look at who he exactly is and what he’d offer to Derby County if they sign him.
History
Born in London, Lookman started his youth career by playing at Waterloo FC for five years. He rose to prominence there and was noticed by several professional clubs. He was signed up by Charlton Athletic’s academy in 2014, becoming prolific at under-18 and under-21 levels before a quick ascension to the first team at the end of 2016.
Goals came immediately in the first-team at Charlton and he was coming to the notice of top-level clubs, most notably Everton who took a chance by signing him in January 2017 for a huge £11m fee.
Lookman has already played and scored for Everton, netting against Man City in a 4-0 win but he now needs to get further first team experience, something that will be difficult at Goodison Park, even with Lukaku now off the books.
Style Of Play
Very fast and ‘buzzy’, Lookman has a good change of direction and likes to attempt to baffle defenders before unleashing a shot. Given time and experience, he will use this skill to better effect in terms of playing others in, though for now, he seems to only have eyes for goal.
He appears to like to sit out on the left of the forward line and use his ability to beat defenders and cut inside, something that will be welcomed by Derby who need someone on that side of their 4-2-3-1.
Lookman’s Future
Undoubtedly, Lookman is a Premier League player in the making and potentially an England international too. His raw skill is enviable and it’s hard to believe when watching him play for Charlton, that others in England’s top level didn’t take a chance on him.
That said, his raw skills remain exactly that at present and he is not yet the all-round player. Some time in the Championship could exactly be what the doctor ordered, especially with Derby, as time would be spent at the upper end of the division.
This time next season, I would expect Lookman to be a viable first-team option in the Premier League for one club or another, naturally the obvious choice being Everton at the moment. We await his football future with great interest.