Ademola Lookman must be allowed to shine without unbalancing Inter Milan

If Lookman joins Inter Milan, coach Chivu must adapt the system to enhance his talent without disrupting the team’s structure

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, if he joins Inter Milan, must be placed in the right conditions to express himself without altering the team’s balance. That will be Cristian Chivu’s task.

"Starting from the left, beating his marker and cutting in to shoot with his right foot — that, in short, is Ademola Lookman’s favorite move. 

In 118 appearances for Atalanta, this blend of technical and athletic abilities has produced 52 goals and 25 assists or penalties won. 

Gian Piero Gasperini brought out the best in the Anglo-Nigerian’s explosive pace, sharp dribbling, and deadly finishing.

Lookman brings qualities Inter Milan has been missing for years

Can Cristian Chivu extract goals and decisive passes from Lookman, assuming Inter Milan signs him? 

Yes, but only if the new coach supports him with a playing style suited to his characteristics, without upsetting the overall ecosystem. A player like Lookman is exactly what Inter Milan lacked during Simone Inzaghi’s four-year tenure.

They didn’t have someone who could dribble past defenders when space was tight. In open play, with room to run, Lookman excels — though many do. 

What sets him apart is his ability to untangle tight situations in the final third," writes La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908.

"At Atalanta, he was the left-footed stinger of a front three that included a classic striker and either a midfielder disguised as a forward like Pasalic, or a multi-functional attacking midfielder like De Ketelaere, skilled at switching roles. 

At Inter Milan, Lookman could form a front three with Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez. But that kind of setup would require a midfield duo — Barella-Calhanoglu or Barella-Mkhitaryan (or Frattesi). Exciting, but risky. Proper balance would be essential.

Lookman seems ideal for a two-man attack, pairing with either Lautaro or Thuram, or for a tempered trident balanced by a box-to-box midfielder like Frattesi, even if the Italy international is most effective when arriving late from deeper positions. 

Lookman must be allowed to remain himself, without compromising the team’s overall balance. That is what Cristian Chivu will need to do, if Marotta and Ausilio manage to bring an end to this summer’s transfer saga,” the newspaper adds.