When Fikayo Tomori debuted for Chelsea in a Premier League game in May 2016 aged 18, he was hugely celebrated as it was an unprecedented record by any player of Nigerian descent. What many did not reckon with was that two years down the line the height would be scaled by another Anglo-Nigerian -Faustino Anjorin, when he starred for the Blues at 17 years, 10 months and two days
Chelsea midfielder, Faustino Anjorin on Wednesday night, made history for Premier League Club, Chelsea as he came on in the 7-1 thrashing of Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.
Aged 17 years, 10 months and 2 days, Anjorin became the youngest player of Nigerian descent to debut for Chelsea in a UK football competition, breaking the record previously held by Fikayo Tomori (another Nigerian), who was aged 18 years, 4 months and 26 days when he debuted for Chelsea in the Premier League in May 2016.
Anjorin was given a chance by the club’s new management team, after the teenager enjoyed a blistering start to the season, scoring five goals in his first seven games for Chelsea’s Under 23.- including a brace in the EFL Trophy win over Swindon last month.
He is currently Chelsea’s development group top goalscorer, opening his account in the UEFA Youth League, Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy.
Faustino Anjorin is a classic midfield powerhouse – who grew up idolising current Blues manager Frank Lampard.
Lampard, who has made it his mission to promote the youngsters this term, has faith in the raw talent, as does his assistant Jody Morris – and the pair have been impressed by Anjorin’s rapid rise since they arrived in the summer.
His progress within the Blues academy has seen him compared to fellow graduate Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who also impressed at youth level.
Anjorin was born in Poole to a Nigerian father and a English mum.
He was named after the Colombian legend Faustino Asprilla who famously became the first player to score a hat-trick against Barcelona in the Champions League when he was playing up front for Newcastle.
By the age of seven Anjorin was scouted by Chelsea and invited to train in their youth set-up before officially joining at the age of nine.
It was a dream come true for the boy, who idolised John Obi Mikel and wanted to play for the same club.
By the age of 16, Anjorin, who stands at an impressive 6ft 1 in, lifted the FA Youth Cup.
Not only was he the youngest player in the Chelsea side that beat Arsenal 7-1, his goal to end the rout was the icing on the cake.
Internationally, Anjorin’s form has been equally as impressive as it has for his club, and the FA have high hopes for him.
He has played for England at every junior level up to the Under-19’s, but without a full cap to his name there could be a tussle with Nigeria for his services in the future.
Both-footed, Anjorin has a contract with Chelsea that doesn’t expire until 2021 but the club is already looking to tie him down to a longer deal.
Technically he’s underrated, despite his lanky frame, runs with the ball at pace and is strong in possession.
And he’s got decent vision, often able to pick out the perfect pass for a forward to run on to.
But it is his finishing that helps him stand out from the crowd.
In fact, Jody Morris once revealed he was the “best finisher at the club.”
Born in Poole on the south coast of England, Faustino Anjorin has a Nigerian father and English mom and can choose to play for either the three-time African champions or the Three Lions.
He was discovered to be very talented at a young age and it was Chelsea that beat other London clubs to the signature of the midfielder.
It can be revealed that Anjorin chose to join the Stamford Bridge outfit at the age of seven because they have the best academy in England to this day.
An England U18 international, Anjorin has made a big impact for Chelsea’s youth team’s this season, with the highlight being a seven-game scoring run, and was rewarded with a three-year professional deal in November 2018, shortly after he turned 17.
Faustino has been utilised in the youth setup and has also debuted for Chelsea’s U-23 team as he is highly rated.
The youngster who has represented England at U-16, U-17 and the U-18 level is still eligible to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria due to his parents and he has not played for the English senior set up.
