Atalanta BC is riding high as they extend their winning streak to eleven consecutive victories, maintaining their position at the top of the Serie A table. Much of this success hinges on the resurgent form of Charles De Ketelaere, who has found his stride after struggling during his brief tenure at AC Milan. The 22-year-old Belgian forward, once labeled as one of football's next big stars, is now showcasing his immense potential under the guidance of Atalanta's head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini.
De Ketelaere was thrust onto the European stage when he signed with Milan, with expectations soaring high following his impactful performances at Club Brugge. Milan paid €35 million for his services, anticipating he would step seamlessly onto the field and contribute to their recent Scudetto triumph. Unfortunately for both the player and the club, things did not pan out as planned. De Ketelaere faced intense pressure, which affected his confidence and overall game performance, leading to his loan move to Atalanta last season.
Now, after committing to the club permanently, De Ketelaere is shining bright. Following his decisive goal during Atalanta's recent match against Empoli, Gasperini showered him with praise. “We start a great Christmas with this victory,” he noted. “De Ketelaere’s winner is not just luck; he chased it with determination and conviction.” Such remarks reflect not only De Ketelaere's growing impact but also Gasperini’s belief in his players, which has become fundamental to Atalanta's success.
Since moving to Atalanta, De Ketelaere has emerged as one of the most thrilling players to watch. Over the year 2024 alone, he has accumulated impressive stats, with 20 goals and 16 assists, making him the top contributor across Serie A. This season, his electrifying performance includes ten goals and nine assists across all competitions, with significant contributions to the team’s advance in both domestic and international matches. During eight games from late November to late December, he netted eight goals and supplied three assists, including three doubles against notable opponents.
What’s remarkable is how Gasperini has revitalized De Ketelaere’s confidence and adjusted his tactical role within the team. Where De Ketelaere may have struggled to find his place at Milan, he is now excelling as part of Atalanta’s dynamic attacking lineup, often switching positions and contributing to the build-up play. Gasperini remarked on De Ketelaere's rapid adaptation, stating, “He added heart to the head he has always had. He's become central to our attacking strategy.”
Atalanta’s recent victory over Empoli not only confirms their top position but also highlights their resilience. After conceding early to Empoli, Atalanta showed grit, as De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman restored their lead before the match concluded. Even when faced with adversity – including the loss of striker Mateo Retegui due to injury – De Ketelaere's response was immediate, reflecting the team's mental strength and commitment to winning, something Gasperini has cultivated across the squad.
The statistics speak volumes; with Atalanta at the top of the table this Christmas, they have embraced the winning mentality cultivated by their coach. Competitive spirit notwithstanding, Gasperini maintains perspective. After the thrilling match, he joked, “We’ve got 40 points. We need to avoid relegation now,” playfully dismissing the pressure of being at the top.
Historical comparisons are inevitable, especially as Atalanta’s streak echoes the performances of Napoli during their championship-winning seasons under Luciano Spalletti and Antonio Conte. With the club having never won the Serie A title, the fans are cautiously optimistic. The team’s consistent performance has ignited talks of challenging for the title, posing the question: why not?
Off the field, Atalanta’s infrastructure and coaching methodology have become focal points attracting talent like De Ketelaere. Gasperini’s methods – emphasizing physical fitness, technical skills, and mental resilience – have allowed players to thrive. De Ketelaere acknowledged this transformation, indicating his happiness and adaptation to Gasperini’s approach. “I wanted to show what I can do; I’ve worked hard and now feel I can contribute significantly,” he stated.
Even as regulars like Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini have faced injuries, Atalanta continues to find ways to stay competitive through squad depth and tactical versatility. Their approach involves maximizing player potential and capitalizing on individual strengths, especially within their new attacking trio of De Ketelaere, Lookman, and Retegui.
For De Ketelaere, recognition is hard-earned but the path is clear. His earlier struggles at Milan now appear as stepping stones to achieving greatness at Atalanta. He is well on his way to becoming one of Serie A's standout players this season. With the support of Gasperini and the evolution of his role, there could be more magic moments just around the corner. Perhaps this Christmas marked not just the end of the year but the dawn of something special for both De Ketelaere and Atalanta.
