Leicester City and Italy defender Caleb Okoli has identified Ademola Lookman as the toughest and strongest players to defend against.
The 23-year-old developed his skills in Atalanta’s youth academy from 2016 to 2020 before joining the senior squad, where he played alongside the Nigerian international in 2022. Okoli later spent time on loan at Frosinone before securing a permanent move to Leicester City in 2024.
In addition to Lookman, Okoli also shared the pitch with Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski during their time in Atalanta’s youth system. The Swedish winger transitioned to the senior team a year ahead of Okoli, later embarking on loan spells at Parma and Juventus before completing a move to the Premier League.
“During my career I have played with very strong players. The strongest is without a doubt Lookman (Ademola). In his best days he is uncatchable,” Okoli said in an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio.
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“From the first day I saw him I understood that he had something special. He has impressive physical strength and an incredible shot. Among other things, he scored in Genoa on the day of my debut. He also played here in Leicester and the fans still remember him.
“In Primavera, however, I spent a whole year with Kulusevski. He had an incredible mentality and was the one most convinced that he could be a high-level footballer.
“I won’t deny that over the years, seeing his career take off between Parma, Juventus and Tottenham, gave me an extra stimulus and motivation to make it. I kept telling myself: ‘if Dejan is realizing his dream, I can achieve it too’.”
Since his move to the Premier League, he has made a total of nine league appearances for the Foxes, however, he’s been unused under new manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
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