Lookman loving life at Everton so far

Monday, 6 February, 2017 65comments  |  Jump to most recent
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Ademola Lookman has been speaking of how quickly he has been made to feel part of the team at Everton following his first start for the club since arriving from Charlton Athletic last month.

The 19-year-old was signed for an initial fee of £7.5m from League One Charlton and, after impressing in training, was given a few minutes by Ronald Koeman just 10 days later at the end of the home game against Manchester City to make his debut.

Lookman scored with his first real involvement and almost repeated the feat at Stoke last Wednesday but narrowly missed after Tom Davies' header had been saved by Lee Grant.

The Londoner made his full debut in the 6-3 win over Bournemouth on Saturday and played 70 minutes, offering plenty more glimpses of his talent and the creativity he can bring to the team.

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It's not surprising given Evertonians' love of skilful players that he has quickly become a popular player among the fans, something that Lookman acknowledged in his post-match comments.

“It's been brilliant to come to a club like Everton with the supporters here and how much history the club has is unbelievable,” he said.

“The Evertonians have been brilliant since the first minute I walked in the door here. They've supported me so well and thinking back to when I scored my first goal, the support was just crazy. I haven't had anything like it before and I'm just glad they've taken to me.

“The players here are quality and I'm just happy to be part of that and to be able to contribute to the team. I already feel like I'm improving every single day. I'm learning a lot from the manager, players and coaches here.”

“I think I did alright [against Bournemouth]. I lost the ball a few times and I was at fault for their second goal so it's something I'll look back on and try to rectify.”

Lookman's manager, meanwhile, is predicting big things for him as he learns to adapt to the Premier League. Koeman hasn't shied away from blooding him early and he can expect plenty of involvement in the first team over the remainder of the season based on his first few appearances.

“The young boy has a lot of qualities,” Koeman said. “He is clever. But in the first half he lost two actions that he took risks to play one against one in a part of the pitch that is not possible.

“But I like that he's clever, he likes to play but he needs to adapt to the intensity of the game. He is not the most physical or strongest, and you need to play and move. He will be a great player, I am sure about that.

“We will help and support the young boy, and we will give him game time to improve and develop the qualities of the player. Sometimes that can be as a substitute but (on Saturday) I let him start because I like to see he is that player.

“I'm Dutch, it is not about age in football, it is about qualities in football!”

 

Reader Comments (65)

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Ajay Timothy
1 Posted 06/02/2017 at 16:29:29
Pardon the pun but I really like the look of him. He plays with a smile on his face and appears to be enjoying himself. Reminds me of a certain 16-year-old we had many years ago.
Olalekan Taofik
2 Posted 06/02/2017 at 16:48:05
Lookman really looks like a footballer to me, full of energy and ability to aim at the goal.

He will be fantastic for us.

Mike Berry
3 Posted 06/02/2017 at 16:58:14
He could be the "bargain of all time" even at £7.5m!
Liam Reilly
4 Posted 06/02/2017 at 17:14:42
Needs to stay grounded, but he's got the straight talking Koeman to keep him there.

Definitely got something special though.

Mike Gaynes
5 Posted 06/02/2017 at 17:15:55
I love his fearlessness on the pitch and his willingness to step up and take responsibility for his mistakes. This is a very mature young man notwithstanding his appearance, which is closer to 14 than 19!
Alexander Murphy
6 Posted 06/02/2017 at 17:16:56
Ademola is clearly enjoying life at Everton. Only 19 but man enough to identify that he was at fault for the Cherries 2nd goal. You can't fault someone who admits their mistakes, if he approaches his game that way then he will be his own best teacher.

Koeman is obviously impressed and that bodes well too.

Mark Morrissey
7 Posted 06/02/2017 at 17:22:14
His drag back was electric. He's gonna be a handful for defenders.

Well done to Steve Walsh – if he's one of your gems, you're earning your coin

John Malone
8 Posted 06/02/2017 at 17:35:19
Nice touches and drag backs are great to show technique and confidence but they don't win matches!

I'll get really excited when I see the end product but the lad does look to have something special!!

I'd give him a go just behind the striker were he can drop off and use his twinkle toes to good effect!

Paul Tran
9 Posted 06/02/2017 at 17:56:34
This kid's got something. Fast feet, always looking for opportunities ahead of him. I like the fact that he recognises and owns up to his mistakes. Seems to be quite grounded generally. He's just got it, hasn't he? I'm looking forward to seeing him grow with us.
Paul Tran
10 Posted 06/02/2017 at 17:56:34
This kid's got something. Fast feet, always looking for opportunities ahead of him. Like the fact that he recognises and owns up to his mistakes. Seems to be quite grounded generally. He's just got it, hasn't he? I'm looking forward to seeing him grow with us.
Gordon Roberts
11 Posted 06/02/2017 at 18:11:13
What a fantastic attitude being able to accept he made mistakes. Not sure I can remember Geri admitting to his errors, unless someone out there has a better memory than me??
Paul Kelly
12 Posted 06/02/2017 at 18:17:24
Goodison's own Gary Coleman, looks to have something special about him, seen more than a few quality touches from him (not forgetting Davies's and Barkley's back-heels against Stoke and Bournemouth also) to get me thinking we've got a good'un.

Can't wait to have the youngsters i.e. Holgate, Davies, Lookman, Calvert-Lewin etc against the Red Shite, they'll be more experienced yet have that fearlessness that comes with being a youngster... and to anyone who moans about bringing up the derby already, I know it's early but so what!

Paul Conway
13 Posted 06/02/2017 at 18:51:58
He has shown far more in training than on match day. The public has yet to see the best of him. But, already he is showing touches of class. A future star, no doubt.

Hope he continues to get selected and the form of Lukaku becomes infectious.

Steavey Buckley
14 Posted 06/02/2017 at 19:03:13
Lookman is being rewarded through football success for being such a good person.
James Morgan
16 Posted 06/02/2017 at 19:09:36
John #8,

He showed he's got end product against Man City with a great finish. Granted, he needs to do it regularly but, for a 19-year-old coming to the Premier League from League One, I'd say he's settled in just fine and we will hopefully see him mature into a real top player over the next few years.

Peter Morris
17 Posted 06/02/2017 at 19:19:25
I thought a naughty boy supporter in an Everton kit had run onto the pitch on Saturday. This kid looks about 12!

Seriously, he's going to have to put some beef on to survive in the Premier Leaague, as he will get battered as an attacker if he doesn't. Little flicks like the one he did on Saturday will get the likes of Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross wound up and salivating at the prospect of giving him a good kicking unless he hardens up.

Patrick Murphy
18 Posted 06/02/2017 at 19:26:07
Peter (#17),

Whatever happened to the romance of football? There have been many wee players who have given the likes of Huth and Shawcross a merry dance over the years, Messi is no giant is he?

I don't want a team of robots going through the motions, playing like American Footballers strictly adhering to thousands of charts and 'plays' and unable to express themselves individually. As long as any skillful player realises that the team comes first it is fine by me to see them show those skills.

Similarly Ross celebrating before scoring has annoyed a few, why? Football is supposed to be entertainment and I hope we see lots of it in the remaining games.

Anthony Dwyer
19 Posted 06/02/2017 at 19:28:03
Like with Davies and Holgate, hopefully Dowell, Galloway, Browning, Walsh, Kenny and many others too, we have to allow these players to make mistakes.

I honestly think our fans can be far too quick to judge on our young stars. Stones, Lukaku and Ross have often been criticised in the past, many of our fans decided age didn't matter. Stones made us a £40m+ profit, and Rom and Ross are the heart beat of our team.

Let's allow the kids time to develop, try to take Into account that both on- and off-the-field mistakes will be made.

Although many of us were a little disappointed to see both Holgate and even more so Davies to be left on the bench, Ron was able to give Lookman a start that he says he's deserved.

I agree that too many kids can't all be blooded at once, so resting the two young lads allowed for another to show his ability.

Over the next few years, I believe we have many kids capable of becoming Premier League stars, we just need someone to nurture there talent in the correct way.

Ron has already given Davies, Holgate, Lookman and Calvert-Lewin chances, let's hope this trend continues.

The future really is looking blue.

Jonathan Bevan
20 Posted 06/02/2017 at 20:09:19
Peter (#17), I seem to remember a little No 8 in a blue shirt, a red-headed "should never have been a footballer try being a jockey,lad" type guy.

I seem to remember him parading the Jules Rimet trophy around Goodison Park... he was fearless at a time when centre-halves ate little lads for breakfast.

Good luck, Ademola, from a 'little un'.

Peter Laing
21 Posted 06/02/2017 at 20:25:57
Fantastic feet, a turn of pace, eye for goal and an all round humble kid – what's not to like?
Peter Mills
22 Posted 06/02/2017 at 20:35:09
I thought he played quite conservatively on Saturday, on most occasions in the first half he turned backwards and played the ball safely, presumably under orders.

But I think we can all see we have a player on our hands.

Jamie Sweet
23 Posted 06/02/2017 at 20:47:30
His turn on the edge of the box and strike which went just past the post had me salivating to be honest.

If you know you're good enough to even try such a thing 10 minutes into your full debut, then I predict we're going to have some exciting times watching this lad's career unfold in front of our eyes.

Phil Walling
24 Posted 06/02/2017 at 20:50:47
A more than adequate replacement for Deulofeu, I think!
Steve Carse
25 Posted 06/02/2017 at 20:53:54
The lad is different and adventurous because he hasn't been under the coaching of a professional football club since the age of 10. If he had been he'd have had that coached out of him already. Let's just hope the 'if in doubt turn or pass back' mentality of most Premier League sides (including our own) is not forced upon him.
Laurie Hartley
26 Posted 06/02/2017 at 21:04:21
I think we have a real one on our hands in Lookman.

He has confidence, a sublime first touch, and is as quick as a flash over the first 5 yards.

Don Alexander
28 Posted 06/02/2017 at 21:38:08
For a youngster he impresses, hugely. Once he's learnt the sly bit that the likes of Neymar exude we will have one helluva player.
John Pierce
29 Posted 06/02/2017 at 21:57:40
Lots of promise, looks like he has enough nous to avoid the hacking limbs of the combine harvesters in the lower level of the Premier League.

Elusive I think is the right word to describe him. I see him as a inside forward playing off the number 9. Not a winger for me.

With Middlesboro up next, I think he will retain his place; like Bournemouth, not overly physical and naturally more space away from home.

Faded and became invisible as Bournemouth asserted themselves in the 2nd half. A couple of starts then back to the bench with him I think.

Rom clearly thinks he's in a big brother programme with young 'Mola. Unusually for Rom, he is quite happy to pass to this kid. Nice to see!

Laurie Hartley
30 Posted 06/02/2017 at 22:04:28
Steavey (#14) – I just re read your post. Very thought-provoking comment! I'll have a think about that... 😉

I'll give you one thing, Steavey – you don't mince words.

Brian Williams
31 Posted 06/02/2017 at 22:14:46
Never thought a ToffeeWeb thread would include religious mumbo jumbo!
Colin Glassar
32 Posted 06/02/2017 at 22:54:20
Steve Carse is spot on. Young kids are drilled until any exuberance is knocked out of them. Young Lookman looks like he still enjoys his football and long may it continue.
Don Alexander
33 Posted 06/02/2017 at 23:02:17
Bang on Colin. If he hopes to improve he needs to have no fear at all of occasionally trying the preposterous. It's what great players, a rare breed admittedly, do. I just hope he gets the support necessary to see if he's capable of it. He looks to me to have it.
Eugene Ruane
35 Posted 06/02/2017 at 23:20:24
Agree completely with Patrick (#18).

By the way, seems young Lookman had a better weekend than Geri:

AC Milan 0 - Sampdoria 1 (he hit the post though)

Conor Skelly
36 Posted 06/02/2017 at 00:00:34
I noticed at the game on Saturday, that his movement is still a bit naive, which is obviously totally understandable with him being so young and raw.

I noticed he'd often get drawn towards the ball when there was space to stretch them in-behind, sometimes being on top of his team-mate. With coaching, there is no limit to how good this kid can get. His feet are unreal. Very exciting.

Dave Abrahams
37 Posted 06/02/2017 at 00:17:03
Peter Mills (#22), I liked that post, thought exactly the same.

The time will come, not too far away, when Lookman will let himself relax and be himself. The 'cheeky Charlie' in him will help him to do what comes naturally to him. I think we are all in for future treats with this lad.

I'm not sure but maybe Steavey (#14) was referring to Lookman. Just before the game kicked off, he lined up on the left wing, and stood perfectly still, bowed his head. Two or three Everton players came over to him to give him words of encouragement, he listened to them without looking up, then carried on in his pose, then blessed himself and prepared himself ready to start the game.

He didn't do too bad... early days, I think the best is yet to come.

Derek Thomas
38 Posted 07/02/2017 at 01:05:25
No, no, no and no again Peter @17; That's the last thing he needs. Those skinny 'twitch' muscles give him the skill and fast feet. Bulking up will rob him of that. In broad terms he a Mo Farah middle distance runner, not Linford Christie.

He doesn't seem to be a wimp, he won't melt if somebody tackles him, don't let the baby face fool you, he's about a stone and a half heavier than David Silva for more or less the same height... and he seems to get by.

Mark Andersson
39 Posted 07/02/2017 at 02:40:03
I like the Lookman of this kid.

Rom seems to have taken to him too. Hopefully not trying to persuade him to have the same agent.

Patrick's post as always nailed it.

Tony Cheek
40 Posted 07/02/2017 at 05:32:04
What Koeman is saying is "he won't start next game"!
Andy Bone
41 Posted 07/02/2017 at 06:48:16
I you get a chance have a look at the training video with Lukaku. He can certainly finish and with Lukaku's help could be a real gem. Excited by this. Not wanting to jump to early, but Dele Alli transitioned from League One to the Premier League pretty well.
Sam Hoare
42 Posted 07/02/2017 at 07:10:44
My hope is that he becomes a better Jermaine Defoe; quick, nimble, intelligent, very two footed and a great finisher. What a pairing Lukaku and Defoe in his prime would be.

Lookman seems to have the right attitude and that's something Walsh is known for relishing, though I wonder if Walsh's credentials are on the wane with Leicester currently crumbling?

Good luck, Ademola. Work hard, stay grounded and enjoy the game.

Laurie Hartley
43 Posted 07/02/2017 at 08:25:03
This kid is outrageous.

If this doesn't bring a smile to your face nothing will.

Link

On his debut!

Jim Bennings
44 Posted 07/02/2017 at 08:35:01
Looks a really good footballer.

I always say you can see a good player, age regardless, as soon as he sets foot on that pitch.

Rooney had it at 16, as soon as he walked out for his first team debut you just knew we had a player and Ademola Lookman is the same, you can see he's not your average 19-year-old.

Trevor Lynes
45 Posted 07/02/2017 at 09:17:52
Everton fans love entertainers and football should entertain.Lookman has it in him to be both entertainer and scorer which is excellent.However, he is very young and needs nursing along.Koeman is experienced enough to know and will encourage and coax the best from him over the rest of the season.He is not yet bedded in but he is confident.Nearly all the very top stars have been average or less in size.Messi, Aguero, Hazard, Silva, Suarez, Ozil, Willian are all average or small by todays standards.Maradonna was really small although strongly built.Lookman is no where near the finished product but has a bright future if handled correctly.
Clive Rogers
46 Posted 07/02/2017 at 09:47:30
After watching him closely last Saturday, he's certainly not quite ready yet, but I took forward to next season, especially if he can beef up a bit.
James Marshall
47 Posted 07/02/2017 at 10:29:53
This is a bold claim, one I've made on another thread, but Lookman reminds me a bit of Eden Hazard – same style, balance, poise, pace, and arrogance. He can shoot with both feet too, and loves a tricks.

I doubt there's an Evertonian in existence that isn't happy with him right now.

James Marshall
48 Posted 07/02/2017 at 10:30:36
Oh, and I just read that Tom Davies has been named Premier League Player of the Month. Onwards!
John Daley
49 Posted 07/02/2017 at 10:35:57
After six months of adhering to his strict "Beef him up! Beef him up!" training programme, the benefits to little Ademola Lookman's speed and mobility are plain for all to see:

Link

Tony Abrahams
50 Posted 07/02/2017 at 10:37:23
I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Tom Davies is in the next squad that Gareth Southgate picks, James? I hope not, but even at this early stage, it just wouldn't surprise me.
Nicholas Ryan
51 Posted 07/02/2017 at 11:27:25
People are saying he's too small/lightweight. Well, he's the same size as George Best, Johann Cruyff and Conor McGregor! And anyway, he can just hide behind Rom, and sneak out, when necessary!
Brian Furey
52 Posted 07/02/2017 at 11:33:08
The lad is 19 which is older than Davies yet there seems to be an innocence about the lad. He's obviously come through a very different route to most of our young lads through the academy but if you compare him to say Coleman who also came late into the game, I think it gives you a better grounding for what you have achieved.

He seems very humble and religious and as Walsh and Ron have said he has a great attitude. You get the feeling he's there to learn and work hard and, despite having great skills, doesn't seem to have the petulance that Geri had for example. With Rom going through a good spell then he's come into the team at a good time for him to use his skill and pace to express himself.

I was thinking: Can you imagine Ross trying that crazy backheel pass if we were not playing well or struggling down the table? It's great to play with no fear and confidence and we're all enjoying the season at the moment despite no silverware on the table.

Thomas Lennon
53 Posted 07/02/2017 at 12:05:22
I think Lookman gives us something different on the left and with the speed of his feet, he should be in the box as much as out wide. Complements Rom well and learning fast. Keeping senior members of the team out with Koeman clearly seeing enough in him to praise.

He signalled to come off so clearly he was tiring in the second half and that contributed to their second goal. Not bad for a surprise signing for the U23s.

Les Green
54 Posted 07/02/2017 at 12:32:37
As good as he undoubtedly appears to be, he probably wouldn't be getting much of a look-in if Bolasie was fit.
Brian Cleveland
55 Posted 07/02/2017 at 13:23:34
If it were coming up to Christmas, there might be a case for a Lookman teddy bear to go on sale as part of the general memorabilia! Just a thought...

:-)

Kristian Boyce
56 Posted 07/02/2017 at 13:56:18
One thing that is astonishing about this kid is that he was still playing Sunday league a couple of years ago. I think that is what has kept him grounded. He hasn't been coddled through an academy system.

The slightly maverick way of his play probably comes from not having it coached out of him at an early age. I also read that he has 9 As for his GCSEs, so he has some brains as well.

I also wouldn't be surprised if he gets an England call-up before the end of the year to keep him out of the reaches of the Nigerians.

Paul Thompson
57 Posted 07/02/2017 at 14:08:48
If you look at his YouTube compilation it's clear that he was given a bit of free role at Charlton and he was all over the pitch (or at least the attacking half).

Ademola is unlikely to be given that scope by Koeman. Even though his best position might be behind the striker, I suspect that he'll be used wide left and cutting inside. Not sure he'll start too many games yet, but a great prospect.

Stan Schofield
59 Posted 07/02/2017 at 14:56:31
The lad does indeed appear grounded, to have common sense, and unusually skilled. However, so do Davies and Holgate for example, who came through academy systems.

So I don't buy the theory that Lookman's level-headedness, grounding, and being prepared to do unusual things with a ball, is because of his background in Sunday league, etc. It just strikes me as theory.

It's equally possible that the lad is just naturally a nice guy, which seems to be the case for Davies, Holgate, Calvert-Lewin, and many others.

Gordon Roberts
60 Posted 07/02/2017 at 17:27:32
Les Green (#54). Your post got me thinking what would be our starting 11 look like if all the squad were fit? My thoughts:

Robles
Coleman, Holgate, Funes Mori, Baines
Gana, Schneiderlin
Davies, Barkley, Bolasie
Lukaku

Ben Hayes
61 Posted 07/02/2017 at 17:41:55
Sure a lot of you have read articles on Lookman but he was only signed by Charlton when he was 16 at an end-of-season Charlton vs London Boroughs I think it was and he stood out.

So before that he was only training a few days a week, maybe as some have said this is helping him have the cheeky instinctive aspects to his game, but also lacks the positioning etc of someone who has come through the academy.

Hopefully we will get the best of both worlds and he becomes a great. :-)

Eddie Dunn
62 Posted 07/02/2017 at 19:57:34
I like the boy, he is so humble and possesses great skills. I think we have an Aguero on our hands.
Dave Pritchard
63 Posted 07/02/2017 at 20:45:12
Eddie, let's hope you're right but a tad premature to label him as another Aguero.
Dave Pritchard
64 Posted 07/02/2017 at 20:45:13
Eddie, let's hope you're right but a tad premature to label him as another Aguero.
John West
65 Posted 08/02/2017 at 03:44:22
Fantastic to see young Lookman starting so well and yes in his previous interviews he is a very humble young man and has not forgotten where he has come from.

I love the Boss stating he is Dutch and yes that Nation knows how to play exciting football. Yes as a supporter of Charlton Athletic (and lol don't state why registered on this site) just love genuine teams with really genuine supporters and wish you well indeed.

I always loved your ground and yes very unique with the church in the corner and good luck for the rest of season and beyond. Yes I have written to Everton Football Club and was trying to track down a life long Everton, a really great friend of mine by the name of Mr Clive Bishop, who I have lost contact with.
Yes, he lived in Sidcup S E London and I also knew his late Brother Mr Alan Bishop, who sadly lost his life at such a young age several years ago. If anyone reading this can contact the club, I would be most appreciative.

In the meantime and sorry if boring, but have been a supporter of CAFC for well over 50 years and just wonder in my life time if we will ever get back to the Premier League.

All the best you Blues and thanks so much and loved coming to your ground so much.

Mark Andersson
66 Posted 08/02/2017 at 10:08:04
John West, that was a great post hope you find your blue friend.
Kev Johnson
67 Posted 08/02/2017 at 20:42:34
Paul @12, I was thinking the very same. Here's hoping he strokes a few goals in for us.
John Wilson
68 Posted 08/02/2017 at 22:00:43
You really can't change the laws of physics. A good gust of wind and Lookman will be off the ball faster than Barkley when he takes too long before he takes action.
Eivind Nyhus
69 Posted 09/02/2017 at 10:51:15
Lookman seems like a good prospect, but he's not ready to start games. He was probably our worst player,against Stoke, and except for a few shots, wide or directly at the keeper, he didn't do much but loose the ball when we were in possession. I wouldn't be shocked if he broke in to the team in a few years time, but atm, he's not ready.

I really don't get the overhyping of young players in football. Its not a positive, if anything, it applies too much pressure on young people not equipped to handle it. Look at Stones. His head grew a lot faster than his talent, and made us a lot of money, but he was never close to what people touted him as.


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