Noah Anyadike sets Carabao Cup age record at 15

Noah Anyadike has become the youngest player in Carabao Cup history, giving Cardiff City’s academy a new landmark despite the club’s early exit from the competition. The 15-year-old Welsh central defender made his professional debut in the second round against Norwich on Tuesday.

Anyadike was 15 years and 98 days old when he replaced Harvey Elliott as the competition’s youngest player. Elliott had set the previous record in 2018, appearing for Fulham at 15 years and 174 days. Anyadike had not previously trained with Cardiff’s senior group before being selected to start against Norwich.

The Wales Under-16 international played 53 minutes in Cardiff’s 2-1 defeat, a result that ended the Championship club’s Carabao Cup campaign before the third round. His performance was regarded as confident, although he also gave the ball away on several occasions.

Cardiff manager Brian Barry-Murphy highlighted the defender’s progress and said his performances made him the right choice for the match. Anyadike remains at school and had spent significant time with the senior squad during the holidays. Norwich head coach Philippe Clement, formerly of Monaco, also identified significant potential in the teenager.