Michael Kayode: The Brentford Right-Back Whose Long Throw-Ins Are Redefining Set-Piece Play in African Football Contexts

In the high-stakes world of the Premier League, where margins are razor-thin and innovation often separates survival from success, Brentford’s Michael Kayode has emerged as a symbol of tactical ingenuity.

Born to Nigerian parents in Italy, the 21-year-old right-back has turned the humble throw-in into a potent attacking weapon, drawing comparisons to Rory Delap’s iconic long throws at Stoke City.

His ability to hurl the ball deep into opposition boxes has not only contributed to Brentford’s goal tally but also highlights a broader narrative in African football: the rise of players with dual heritage who blend European precision with African athleticism and creativity.

What makes Kayode’s skill stand out is how it fits into the continent’s growing influence on global tactics, offering insights into how African-rooted talents are reshaping the game beyond borders.

Kayode’s significance extends far beyond statistics. In a league dominated by possession-based philosophies, his throw-ins provide Brentford—a club punching above its weight—with an edge against wealthier opponents.

This season alone, Brentford has attempted 70 long throws, scoring six goals from them last term and three more already.

For African sports enthusiasts, Kayode represents a bridge between the raw talent nurtured in diaspora communities and the structured environments of top European leagues.

His story prompts a deeper question: How does this Italo-Nigerian defender’s unique skill reflect the untapped potential in African youth development pathways, where physical prowess meets tactical acumen?

Early Career and Development

Michael Olabode Kayode’s journey began in Borgomanero, Italy, on July 10, 2004, where he was born to Nigerian immigrants. His middle name, Olabode, nods to his Yoruba heritage, a cultural thread that has kept him connected to Nigeria despite growing up in Europe. Football entered his life early, with seven formative years in Juventus’ youth academy starting at age six.

There, he honed his fundamentals, but it was his move to Serie D side Gozzano in 2020 that marked his professional breakthrough.

At just 16, Kayode featured in 34 matches for Gozzano during the 2020-21 season, scoring two goals and providing two assists while helping the team secure promotion to Serie C.

His performances caught the eye of Fiorentina, who signed him in 2021 for their Primavera (youth) setup. Over the next two years, he excelled, winning the Coppa Italia Primavera twice (2021-22 and 2023-24) and the Super Cup Primavera in 2022-23.

This period was crucial for developing his all-around game, blending defensive solidity with attacking flair—a hallmark of modern full-backs.

Kayode’s early exposure underscores a key aspect of African sports: the diaspora effect. Many players of Nigerian descent, like him, navigate European systems while carrying the weight of potential international switches.

Eligible for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Kayode has represented Italy at youth levels, including captaining the U19s to the 2023 UEFA European Championship title.

Yet, speculation about a senior call-up from Nigeria persists, especially as his profile rises. This duality enriches African football narratives, showing how global migration fosters talents who could bolster continental teams like those in CAF competitions.

Key Milestones

Kayode’s senior debut came with Fiorentina in 2023, where he quickly became a regular. In the 2023-24 Serie A season, he made 26 appearances, scoring once and assisting twice, while helping La Viola reach the UEFA Europa Conference League final.

His breakthrough was no fluke; it showcased his athleticism and crossing ability, traits that would later define his Brentford tenure.

The move to Brentford materialized in 2025, initially on loan before becoming permanent. Signed for his physicality suiting the Premier League’s demands, Kayode has since logged 33 appearances for the Bees, with strong defensive stats: 90 clearances, 35 aerial duels won, and an 83% pass accuracy.

Milestones include his role in Brentford’s set-piece goals, such as the equalizer against Arsenal, where his throw led to a flick-on and finish.

Another highlight: Being named Man of the Match against Liverpool after creating seven chances and assisting via a long throw.

These moments reveal something profound about African sport: the emphasis on adaptability.

In Nigeria, where street football breeds versatile players, Kayode’s ability to turn a routine restart into a threat echoes the resourcefulness seen in African leagues like the Nigerian Professional Football League, where physical edges compensate for infrastructural gaps.

Playing Style and Strengths: A Deep Dive into the Throw-In Tactic

At 1.79m, Kayode isn’t the tallest defender, but his playing style is built on speed, strength, and intelligence. He’s a strong ball carrier with a 7.1 average rating this season, excelling in duels (144 won) and recoveries.

However, it’s his long throw-in that has captured attention, transforming Brentford into the Premier League’s throw-in kings under coach Thomas Gronnemark, a specialist who honed similar tactics at FC Midtjylland.

Analyzing the technique: Kayode dries the ball meticulously, measures his run-up, and launches it with a fluid motion, achieving distances of 34-40 meters—world-class by Gronnemark’s standards.

He combines upper-body power with precise mechanics, targeting the near post to create flick-on opportunities.

This isn’t just brute force; it’s strategic. As Kayode explained in a Brentford programme interview, he adapts based on defenses: “Sometimes I throw it short because, if everyone is so deep, I will have a lot of space to get it back.”

The impact is tactical chaos. Opponents like Chelsea and Manchester United have panicked under his barrages, leading to goals via second balls.

Brentford’s 64 attempts from Kayode this season have yielded three goals, a 162% increase in long-throw usage league-wide.

In African contexts, this mirrors innovations in CAF Champions League sides, where set-pieces level playing fields against better-funded teams. Kayode’s skill, rarely practiced, stems from natural athleticism—perhaps inherited from his Nigerian roots, where physical sports like athletics influence footballers.

His overall strengths include accurate crosses (5/6 in key games) and 1v1 defending, making him a complete full-back. Limitations? Lower shot volume and adaptation to high-possession sides, but at 21, these are growth areas.

Current Trajectory and Future Outlook

As of February 2026, Kayode is integral to Brentford’s mid-table push, with interest from Arsenal and Manchester United signaling a potential big move.

His contract runs until 2030, but his market value—around €26m—reflects rising stock.

Looking ahead, Kayode’s future could involve a senior international debut. While committed to Italy U21 (12 caps), Nigeria’s pursuit adds intrigue.

If he switches, he could star in AFCON, bringing his throw-in prowess to African pitches.

In essence, Michael Kayode’s story isn’t just about a throw-in; it’s about how African heritage fuels global innovation. As he continues to evolve, he reminds us that African football’s true strength lies in its ability to surprise and adapt, turning overlooked skills into game-changers.