Introduction

The recently concluded 2022-23 Serie A season was a thrilling one, with numerous standout performances from players across the league. However, the announcement of the Serie A Awards has raised some eyebrows, particularly with the exclusion of two notable players: Victor Osimhen of Napoli and Ademola Lookman of Atalanta.

Osimhen, the Nigerian striker, and Lookman, the English winger, have been instrumental in their respective teams’ success this season, leading many to believe they deserved recognition among the top players in the league. In this detailed blog post, we will delve into the reasons behind their snub, analyze their performances, and assess the implications of their exclusion from the prestigious Serie A Awards.

Victor Osimhen: The Unstoppable Napoli Striker

Exceptional Goal-Scoring Prowess

Victor Osimhen’s performances this season have been nothing short of remarkable. The 24-year-old striker has been a dominant force in the Serie A, scoring an impressive 26 goals in 32 appearances. His goal-scoring ability has been a crucial factor in Napoli’s pursuit of the Scudetto, the league’s top prize.

Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess is not only impressive but also consistent. He has found the back of the net in 19 different matches this season, showcasing his ability to score in both high-pressure situations and against a variety of opponents. His goal contributions have been vital in Napoli’s quest for their first Serie A title since the 1989-90 season.

Versatility and All-Round Contribution

Osimhen’s impact extends far beyond just his goal-scoring abilities. The Nigerian striker has also demonstrated exceptional versatility, contributing to Napoli’s overall play in numerous ways. His ability to link up with his teammates, create chances, and drop deeper to participate in the build-up play has made him a well-rounded and invaluable asset to Luciano Spalletti’s side.

In addition to his goal-scoring exploits, Osimhen has also registered 5 assists this season, showcasing his ability to not only find the back of the net but also to create opportunities for his teammates. His work rate and defensive contributions have also been noteworthy, as he has often pressed high up the pitch and disrupted the opposition’s play.

Impact on Napoli’s Successful Season

Osimhen’s performances have been a crucial factor in Napoli’s remarkable season. The Partenopei have been the dominant force in the league, establishing a substantial lead at the top of the table and securing their first Scudetto in over three decades. Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess and all-round contribution have been central to this success.

Napoli’s ability to maintain their impressive form throughout the season is a testament to the collective effort of the team, but Osimhen’s individual brilliance has undoubtedly played a significant role. His consistent performances and match-winning contributions have been a driving force behind Napoli’s title charge, making his exclusion from the Serie A Awards all the more puzzling.

Ademola Lookman: The Atalanta Sensation

Breakout Season and Impressive Performances

Ademola Lookman’s performances this season have been a revelation, as he has firmly established himself as one of the standout players in the Serie A. The 25-year-old winger, on loan from RB Leipzig, has been a key figure in Atalanta’s success, making a significant impact with his dynamic displays and goal-scoring prowess.

Lookman has been a constant threat to opposing defenses, utilizing his pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal to create numerous chances and find the back of the net. With 15 goals and 6 assists in 34 appearances, Lookman has been one of the most productive players in the league, cementing his status as a player to watch in the future.

Adaptability and Positional Versatility

What makes Lookman’s performances even more impressive is his ability to adapt and contribute in various positions. While primarily deployed as a winger, the Englishman has also showcased his versatility by playing as a second striker or even a central midfielder when required. This adaptability has allowed Atalanta to employ different tactical approaches, with Lookman seamlessly fitting into the team’s overall game plan.

Lookman’s positional versatility has been a valuable asset, as it has allowed Atalanta to maintain their attacking momentum and flexibility, even in the face of injuries or tactical adjustments. His willingness to take on different roles and responsibilities has further enhanced his value to the team and highlighted his impressive football intelligence.

Impact on Atalanta’s Top-Four Finish

Atalanta’s successful campaign, which saw them secure a top-four finish and a spot in the upcoming UEFA Champions League, has been heavily influenced by Lookman’s outstanding contributions. The Bergamo-based club has been consistently among the top teams in the league, and Lookman’s performances have been a significant factor in their continued success.

Lookman’s ability to consistently find the back of the net and create chances for his teammates has been a crucial component in Atalanta’s attacking prowess. His goal-scoring exploits and creative flair have been instrumental in propelling the team to a highly respectable final league position, making his exclusion from the Serie A Awards even more perplexing.

Analyzing the Snubs

Potential Factors Behind the Exclusions

The exclusion of Osimhen and Lookman from the Serie A Awards has raised many questions and sparked discussions among football enthusiasts. While the reasons behind these decisions are not entirely clear, there are several potential factors that may have influenced the awards committee’s choices.

1. Voting Bias and Subjectivity The Serie A Awards are determined by a voting process, with various stakeholders, including journalists, coaches, and players, casting their ballots. In such a subjective process, personal biases, team affiliations, and specific narratives can sometimes overshadow the objective assessment of individual performances.

2. Geographical and Promotional Factors It is possible that the awards committee placed a greater emphasis on players from more established and well-known Italian clubs, potentially overlooking the contributions of players from smaller or less prominent teams, such as Osimhen’s Napoli and Lookman’s Atalanta.

3. Lack of Widespread Recognition Despite their impressive performances, Osimhen and Lookman may not have received the same level of media attention and widespread recognition as some of their counterparts from the more prominent clubs. This lack of visibility could have influenced the voting process and the ultimate selection of award recipients.

4. Perceived Lack of Consistency or Longevity The awards committee may have prioritized players with more consistent performances or longer track records of excellence in the league. While Osimhen and Lookman have been standouts this season, their relatively shorter tenure in the Serie A compared to some other players may have been a factor in their exclusion.

Implications and Potential Consequences

The snubbing of Osimhen and Lookman from the Serie A Awards has several implications and potential consequences, both for the players and the league itself.

1. Missed Opportunity for Recognition and Validation For the players, the exclusion from the awards represents a missed opportunity to receive the recognition and validation they rightfully deserve for their outstanding performances. This can be a significant blow to their morale and can potentially impact their future career trajectories.

2. Undermining the Credibility of the Awards The absence of Osimhen and Lookman from the awards list raises questions about the credibility and objectivity of the selection process. If the most impactful players are not being recognized, it may diminish the prestige and significance of the Serie A Awards in the eyes of the football community.

3. Missed Opportunity for Increased Exposure and Opportunities The Serie A Awards often serve as a platform for players to gain increased exposure and open up new opportunities, both in terms of sponsorships and potential transfers. By excluding Osimhen and Lookman, the awards committee may have deprived these players of valuable opportunities for career advancement and recognition on a larger scale.

4. Potential Impact on Player Morale and Team Dynamics The snubbing of Osimhen and Lookman may have a negative impact on their morale and could potentially create tensions within their respective teams. This could disrupt team dynamics and affect the overall performance and cohesion of the squads, which could have broader implications for the league.

Conclusion

​The exclusion of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman from the Serie A Awards has been a topic of much discussion and debate among football enthusiasts. These two players have been instrumental in the success of their respective teams, Napoli and Atalanta, and their performances have been nothing short of exceptional.

Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess, versatility, and all-round contribution have been crucial to Napoli’s title-winning campaign, while Lookman’s breakout season and impressive adaptability have played a significant role in Atalanta’s top-four finish. The snubbing of these talented players from the awards list has raised questions about the objectivity and credibility of the selection process.

The potential factors behind these exclusions, such as voting biases, geographical and promotional factors, and the perceived lack of consistency or longevity, highlight the complex and subjective nature of awards in the world of football. The implications of these snubs, including the missed opportunities for recognition and validation, the undermining of the awards’ credibility, and the potential impact on player morale and team dynamics, further emphasize the importance of fair and transparent selection processes.

As the football community continues to debate and analyze the Serie A Awards, it is crucial for the league and its governing bodies to address these concerns and ensure that the recognition of outstanding performances is based on objective and impartial criteria. The exclusion of Osimhen and Lookman from the awards represents a missed opportunity to celebrate the true stars of the league and may have broader consequences for the sport’s integrity and growth.