Charlton youngster Ademola Lookman has the potential to be a future Premier League star, according to one of his former coaches.
The exciting prospect, who joined Charlton in 2014, has made four appearances for the first team this season under interim boss Karel Fraeye.
Despite his limited experience, Lookman has adjusted to the level admirably and looked particularly impressive during Charlton’s 1-0 win at Birmingham City on November 21.
While Lookman’s rise has surprised many supporters, one of the 18-year-old’s former coaches at Waterloo FC insists it was always clear the forward was destined for success.
Jack Osborne told News Shopper: “He was training for three years with the younger team and then when he made the leap to the U16s in 2013, I started working with him.
“Immediately it was clear that his talent was undeniable and that this kid was going places.
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“I remember one of his first games, he came on as a sub and immediately latched onto a long ball over the top and scored.
“He basically ripped through the whole team by himself – it was clear then that this player was special and had such qualities.”
Lookman’s raw pace has been evident since he broke into the Addicks’ first team, but Osborne is adamant that there’s far more to his game than just speed.
“He’s so quick, lightning – that’s the first thing you notice when you watch him,” Osborne said. “But he’s also got a great deal of skill and one of the best first touches I have ever seen.
“He rarely took a bad touch while at Waterloo, his quality was scary at times.
“Some people talk about his size being a problem but I don’t think so. He’s still growing and football is changing, players like Eden Hazard and Alexis Sanchez are proving that you don’t need to be especially big to be able to cope with the physical side of the game.”
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After leaving Waterloo, a youth football club based in south London, Lookman wasted no time in establishing himself at Charlton, achieving stunning goalscoring records for their U18 and U21 sides.
Former coach Osborne believes Lookman can shine at Charlton, who are known for allowing young talent to develop at the club, but believes the Premier League will be his eventual destination.
The 24-year-old added: “I think he can develop into a really good player, especially with Charlton who have got a great academy and are willing to give these players a chance.
“At Charlton he has an opportunity to really claim a first team spot, and in terms of his future career, the world really is his oyster.
“I really believe he can become a very good Premier League player – that’s how highly I rate him.
“He’s sometimes compared with Jermain Defoe, in terms of his stature and killer instinct in front of goal, and I can see where that’s coming from.
“He was a pleasure to work with. He’s a very nice, grounded kid and that will stand him in good stead.”
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