Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze has become Villarreal’s youngest-ever footballer to feature in 100 games for the Spanish club.
He reached this hallowed rank while featuring in the Yellow Submarine’s 4-1 defeat of Zamora in Tuesday’s Copa del Rey encounter.
At 21 years, seven months and 11 days, the Nigerian stepped out onto the pitch in Villarreal’s shirt for his 100th appearance in record time
Chukwueze’s feat successfully eclipsed the record set by Argentina international and AC Milan centre back Mateo Musacchio who reached the centenary mark aged 21 years, 11 months and 20 days.
The La Liga side, in a statement on its website, wrote; “A record-making centenarian. Samuel Chukwueze has reached 100 games with Villarreal’s first team after starting the Copa del Rey game against Zamora CF.
“The Nigerian forward has reached the 100-game mark (79 in La Liga, 13 in the Europa League and eight in the Copa del Rey), aged just 21 years, seven months and 11 days, becoming the youngest player to reach this mark in official games for the Villarreal CF first team.”
To mark his latest achievement, the jet-heeled Super Eagles forward bagged an assist as Unai Emery’s men sent the fourth tier Spanish side packing from the competition with Carlos Bacca, Yeremi Pino, Carlos Ramos, Fer Nino and Daniel Raba finding the net.
After an impressive shift, he was substituted for Dani Parejo in the 63rd minute of the encounter staged at the Estadio Ruta de la Plata.
And to celebrate the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup bronze boot winner on his historic feat, one of Nigeria’s football greats and La Liga Ambassador, Mutiu Adepoju took to social media to shower praises on the talented youngster.
Adepoju tweeted: “Dear Chukwueze, becoming Villarreal’s youngest centurion ever is a very beautiful accomplishment from you.
“Well-done on this and I hope this unlocks other hidden potentials in you. Wishing you greater successes ahead.”
The young Nigerian was snapped up by the Spanish top-flight team from Diamond Football Academy, thanks to his impressive showing in Chile where he helped Emmanuel Amuneke’s Golden Eaglets win the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
At that tournament, Chukwueze was named third-best player behind Germany’s Johannes Eggestein and compatriot Victor Osimhen.
Having impressed for the club’s reserves in the third tier, he was promoted to the senior team – making his debut in a Europa League game against Rangers when Manager Javi Calleja brought him in as a 79th-minute replacement for Nicola Sansone.
Since then, he has remained regular face in the Yellow Submarine setup, highlighting his status in the team with attention-grabbing performances. – With Goal.com reports
