Noah Anyadike Becomes Youngest Player in EFL Cup History

Cardiff City defender Noah Anyadike became the youngest player in EFL Cup history on Tuesday, starting the club's 2-1 second-round defeat by Norwich City at the Cardiff City Stadium. BBC Sport reported that the Wales youth international was 15 years and 98 days old when he made his senior debut.

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Anyadike's appearance displaced the previous competition record held by Harvey Elliott. Elliott was 15 years and 174 days old when he played for Fulham against Millwall in 2018, meaning the Cardiff youngster lowered the mark by 76 days. He also became the youngest player ever to represent Cardiff's first team.

The opportunity came as Cardiff dealt with an injury shortage at centre-back. Manager Brian Barry-Murphy said Anyadike had earned the selection through his progress while training with the senior group during the school holidays. According to the BBC report, Barry-Murphy regarded the teenager as Cardiff's best available option for the tie.

Anyadike's landmark night ended during the second half when he left the field with muscle cramp. The setback did not diminish the scale of the milestone, but Cardiff were unable to advance as Norwich secured the 2-1 victory. No longer-term injury was reported in the source account.

The defender is the third player in less than a year to establish a new age record for Cardiff's senior side. Rob Tankiewicz appeared at 16 years and 117 days, before Axel Donczew reduced the club mark to 15 years and 234 days. Anyadike has now taken it down again, although the overall English Football League record remains with Reuben Noble-Lazarus, who debuted at 15 years and 45 days in 2008.

Barry-Murphy said Cardiff's task is to balance protection and education with challenges appropriate to Anyadike's ability. The BBC reported that a Championship debut could follow when Cardiff host Sheffield United on Saturday, while the more experienced Gabriel Osho was expected to return to training on Thursday. Those possibilities remained prospective at the time of publication.