Despite his evident talent, Ademola Lookman’s time at Everton didn’t unfold as many had hoped. His recent standout performance for Atalanta in the Europa League, where he scored a historic hat-trick, underscores the potential that was always apparent but never fully realized at Goodison Park.
From the outset, Lookman’s potential was clear. He made an immediate impact, scoring just four minutes into his debut in a 4-0 victory over Manchester City. This goal momentarily showcased the promise he had brought with him from Charlton Athletic, where he had become Everton’s most expensive signing from a League One club at £7.5 million. The young winger had caught the eye of Everton’s scouts long before his move, particularly under the watchful eye of talent spotter Damian Matthew. Yet, despite this promising start, Lookman’s career at Everton was marred by a series of unfortunate events.
One of the main factors in Lookman’s struggle to make a lasting impact at Everton was the instability within the club, particularly during the Farhad Moshiri era. The constant changes in management and strategy led to a lack of continuity and stability, which is crucial for the development of young players. Lookman’s initial success quickly became overshadowed by the chaotic environment at the club, making it difficult for him to settle and thrive.
Lookman’s debut goal, which came during a period of high optimism at Everton, was supposed to be the beginning of a bright future. However, the club’s turbulent management during this period meant that many promising players, including Lookman, were unable to fulfill their potential. The instability at Everton not only affected the players on the pitch but also the overall strategy and vision of the club, leading to numerous missed opportunities.
Furthermore, despite the promising start and the excitement surrounding his signing, Lookman struggled to find consistency in his performances. This inconsistency, coupled with the club’s unstable environment, hindered his ability to develop and showcase his full potential. While his talent was never in question, the lack of a supportive and stable environment at Everton played a significant role in his struggles.
In conclusion, Ademola Lookman’s failure to succeed at Everton can be attributed to a combination of the club’s instability and his own inconsistency. Despite his undeniable talent, the circumstances at Everton during his time there were not conducive to nurturing and developing young players. His recent success at Atalanta highlights what could have been, had the conditions at Everton been different.