Gareth Southgate has announced his 23-man England squad for the World Cup and Ademola Lookman isn’t in it.
But the fact some had even suggested including the fresh-faced winger speaks volumes about how far he’s come since swapping Everton for RB Leipzig on loan last January.
Lookman started just one Premier League game in the first half of the season and, to his credit, had the ambition and the drive to leave his comfort zone in order to kick-start a career that had stalled somewhat since an £11 million move from Charlton Athletic in January 2017.
The 20-year-old forced through a move to Bundesliga high-flyers Leipzig against the wishes of his Everton manager Sam Allardyce, who wanted to keep the youngster close by in Derby County, according to The Independent.
But, with the German top flight season now over, Lookman can reflect on what proved to be a very good decision. In just seven league starts, he scored five goals and set up three more. In his final game for Ralf Hasenhuttl’s side, Lookman tore apart the usually solid Hertha Berlin away from home, netting one and assisting two as he inspired a thrilling 6-2 win.
And, unsurprisingly, Lookman has been inundated by requests from Leipzig supporters hoping he will stay for another year.
This alone should be a reminder to Everton just what a talent they have on their hands.
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