Atalanta BC Forwards 2024/25
Atalanta BC, the pride of Bergamo, has long been celebrated for its dynamic and attacking style of play. Under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, La Dea has consistently punched above its weight in Serie A and European competitions, thanks in no small part to its formidable forward line. As the 2024/25 season approaches, the club’s attacking Arsenal boasts a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and shrewd acquisitions. This post delves into the forwards currently gracing the Gewiss Stadium, exploring their backgrounds, strengths, and contributions to Atalanta’s relentless pursuit of glory.
Rasmus Højlund
Rasmus Højlund, the Danish sensation, has quickly become a cornerstone of Atalanta’s attack since his arrival in 2022. 
Born on February 4, 2003, in Copenhagen, Højlund’s journey to Serie A began with FC Copenhagen, where his raw talent and eye for goal caught the attention of scouts across Europe. Atalanta secured his services for a reported fee of €17 million, a bargain considering his rapid development. Standing at 6’3”, Højlund combines physicality with technical finesse, making him a nightmare for defenders. His ability to hold up play, link with midfielders, and finish clinically has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland. In the 2023/24 season, he netted 16 goals across all competitions, solidifying his status as one of Serie A’s most promising strikers. With his relentless work ethic and hunger for improvement, Højlund is poised to lead Atalanta’s line for years to come.
Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian international, has been a revelation since joining Atalanta in 2022. Born in London on October 20, 1997, Lookman began his career at Charlton Athletic before earning a move to Everton. After loan spells at RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester City, he found his footing in Bergamo. Atalanta paid €9 million to secure his signature, a fee that now looks like a masterstroke. Lookman’s versatility allows him to operate on either flank or as a secondary striker, using his blistering pace and dribbling skills to torment defenders. In the 2023/24 campaign, he contributed 12 goals and 8 assists, showcasing his ability to both score and create. His performances have not only endeared him to the Atalanta faithful but also cemented his place in the Nigerian national team. Lookman’s flair and consistency make him an indispensable part of Gasperini’s attacking setup.
Gianluca Scamacca
Gianluca Scamacca, the Italian powerhouse, returned to his homeland in 2023 after a stint with West Ham United. Born in Rome on January 1, 1999, Scamacca’s journey has taken him through the youth ranks of Lazio, PSV Eindhoven, and Sassuolo, where he first made his mark. Atalanta acquired him for €25 million, a significant investment that reflects his potential. Standing at 6’5”, Scamacca is a traditional number nine with a penchant for spectacular goals. His aerial prowess, combined with his ability to strike from distance, makes him a multifaceted threat. Despite a slow start to his Atalanta career, Scamacca found his rhythm in the latter half of the 2023/24 season, finishing with 10 goals and 4 assists. His physicality and technical skills offer Gasperini a different dimension in attack, ensuring he remains a key figure in the squad.
Charles De Ketelaere
Charles De Ketelaere, the Belgian prodigy, joined Atalanta on loan from AC Milan in 2023, with an option to buy for €23 million. Born on March 10, 2001, in Bruges, De Ketelaere rose through the ranks at Club Brugge, where his creativity and vision earned him widespread acclaim. Although his time at Milan was underwhelming, he has rediscovered his form in Bergamo. Operating primarily as an attacking midfielder or second striker, De Ketelaere’s intelligence and technical ability have added a new layer to Atalanta’s attack. In the 2023/24 season, he recorded 7 goals and 9 assists, demonstrating his knack for unlocking defenses. His composure on the ball and ability to dictate play make him a vital cog in Gasperini’s system. At just 23, De Ketelaere’s best years are still ahead of him, and Atalanta could reap the rewards of his continued development.
El Bilal Touré
El Bilal Touré, the Malian striker, arrived at Atalanta in the summer of 2023 for a club-record fee of €28 million from Almería. Born on October 3, 2001, in Bamako, Touré’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After impressing at Reims and Almería, he caught the eye of Atalanta’s scouts with his blend of speed, strength, and finishing ability. Despite struggling with injuries in his debut season, Touré showcased glimpses of his immense potential, scoring 8 goals in limited appearances. His ability to stretch defenses with his pace and exploit spaces makes him a perfect fit for Gasperini’s high-octane system. As he continues to adapt to Serie A, Touré is expected to play a more prominent role in the 2024/25 campaign, offering Atalanta a dynamic and unpredictable attacking option.
Luis Muriel
Luis Muriel, the Colombian veteran, remains a vital part of Atalanta’s forward line despite entering the twilight of his career. Born on April 18, 1991, in Santo Tomás, Muriel’s journey has taken him from Deportivo Cali to Udinese, Sampdoria, Sevilla, and finally Bergamo. Atalanta signed him in 2019 for €15 million, and he has since become a fan favorite. Known for his explosive speed, dribbling, and clinical finishing, Muriel has been a consistent source of goals. In the 2023/24 season, he contributed 9 goals and 5 assists, often coming off the bench to make a decisive impact. His experience and leadership are invaluable to a relatively young squad, and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations makes him a reliable option for Gasperini. While his role may diminish over time, Muriel’s legacy at Atalanta is already secure.
Jeremie Boga
Jeremie Boga, the Ivorian winger, has been a key figure in Atalanta’s attack since his arrival from Sassuolo in 2022. Born on January 3, 1997, in Marseille, Boga began his career at Chelsea before embarking on loan spells at Rennes, Granada, and Birmingham City. Atalanta paid €18 million to bring him to Bergamo, and he has since justified the investment with his electrifying performances. Boga’s dribbling skills, close control, and ability to cut inside from the left flank make him a constant threat. In the 2023/24 season, he tallied 6 goals and 7 assists, often providing the spark needed to break down stubborn defenses. His work rate and defensive contributions also make him a well-rounded player, capable of fulfilling Gasperini’s tactical demands. At 27, Boga is in his prime and remains a crucial component of Atalanta’s attacking machinery.
Aleksei Miranchuk
Aleksei Miranchuk, the Russian playmaker, has been a consistent performer for Atalanta since joining from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2020. Born on October 17, 1995, in Slavyansk-na-Kubani, Miranchuk’s technical ability and vision have made him a fan favorite. Atalanta paid €14.5 million for his services, and he has since become a key creative force. Operating primarily as an attacking midfielder or false nine, Miranchuk’s ability to pick out passes and score from distance adds a different dimension to Atalanta’s attack. In the 2023/24 season, he contributed 5 goals and 6 assists, often stepping up in crucial moments. His intelligence and versatility make him a valuable asset for Gasperini, who values players capable of adapting to multiple roles. As he enters his late twenties, Miranchuk’s experience and creativity will be vital for Atalanta’s ambitions.
Conclusion
Atalanta BC’s forward line for the 2024/25 season is a blend of youth, experience, and versatility. From the towering presence of Gianluca Scamacca to the electrifying pace of Ademola Lookman, each player brings unique qualities to Gasperini’s attacking setup. The likes of Rasmus Højlund and El Bilal Touré represent the future, while veterans like Luis Muriel provide the necessary experience and leadership. With such a diverse and talented group of forwards, Atalanta is well-equipped to continue its tradition of thrilling, high-scoring football. As the new season unfolds, the Gewiss Stadium will once again be the stage for these stars to shine, driving La Dea’s pursuit of silverware and European glory.