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Analysis

Michael Kayode: Why Brentford's throw-in machine is Italy's man of the moment

30.09.26, 15:07 Updated 30.09.26, 15:14 9 Minute Read

Ten days ago, Michael Kayode was a Premier League full-back most Italian fans knew only from highlights. Today, he is the name on everybody's lips. On Monday night in Bursa, the 22-year-old made his senior Italy debut, scored, had a hand in another goal and was rated 7.5 by Sky Sport Italia, Eurosport and Tuttosport alike. Italy beat Turkiye 4-1, and the country suddenly had a new right-back.

For those who have followed him at Brentford, none of this came as a surprise. Kayode has spent the last 18 months turning himself into one of the most distinctive full-backs in the Premier League: A relentless ball-winner, a direct carrier of the ball and the owner of the most feared long throw in English football.

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Andrea Locorotondo

is an SJA- and AIPS-accredited sports journalist with venue access across UEFA and FIFA competitions. He is the founder and editor of Calcio Society, and co-founded the independent Aston Villa title The Holte Roar.

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