Manchester United's Amad Diallo has etched his name into Premier League history, claiming a significant portion of a record previously held by Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho.
Diallo scored assisted in United's 3-2 victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old assisted Kobbie Mainoo for United's first goal and scored the second after the interval.
With this feat, Diallo became the youngest African footballer to score and assist in the Premier League since Iheanacho in 2018.
Iheanacho set this record during Leicester City's 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion in March 2018.
Why Iheanacho continues to hold the record as the youngest player to score and assist in the Premier League
Kelechi Iheanacho's name still stands tall in the annals of Premier League history as the youngest African player to achieve the remarkable feat of scoring and assisting a goal in a single match.
At 21 years and 158 days, Iheanacho etched his name into the record books during Leicester City's clash against West Bromwich Albion in March 2018.
Diallo came close to eclipsing Iheanacho's record. At the age of 21 years and 309 days, Diallo replicated Iheanacho's feat by scoring and assisting in a Premier League fixture.
However, Iheanacho's record remains intact. This specific combination of age and performance has not been replicated since then.
While Amad Diallo, at 21 years and 309 days, came close to matching Iheanacho's feat, the slight difference in age means that Iheanacho's record continues to stand as the youngest to achieve this milestone in Premier League history.
Kelechi Iheanacho's impact: A look at his performance since joining Leicester
Kelechi Iheanacho joined Leicester City in August 2017 under a five-year contract reportedly valued at £25 million. He debuted against Arsenal and scored his first goal in an EFL Cup match versus Leeds United.
Iheanacho made history as the first player in English football to benefit from a Video Assistant Referee decision, securing a goal against Fleetwood Town.
Initially not a regular starter, he seized opportunities due to injuries to key players, scoring an impressive 12 goals in 10 games.
The Super Eagles player achieved his inaugural Premier League hat-trick against Sheffield United and played pivotal roles in FA Cup matches, aiding Leicester's journey to the semi-finals.
Recognised for his exceptional performances, Iheanacho was named Premier League Player of the Month in March 2021.
He further cemented his commitment to Leicester by extending his contract until 2024. His contributions continued to shine, notably scoring the decisive goal in a FA Cup semi-final triumph against Southampton, propelling Leicester to their first FA Cup final appearance since 1969.
In the 2021 FA Community Shield clash against Manchester City, Iheanacho clinched victory with a penalty goal.
Despite Leicester's relegation from the Premier League that season, his outstanding displays earned him the club's Player of the Year accolade.
Iheanacho's 2023/24 season with Leicester was marked by inconsistency and limited playing time, as he made just 25 appearances across various competitions and managed to score only six goals.
Five of these goals came during Leicester's successful Championship campaign, which culminated in their promotion to the Premier League.
However, his overall contribution to the team's success was overshadowed by his lacklustre performances.
The Nigerian forward's struggles were further compounded by his limited game time under manager Enzo Maresca, particularly in the latter part of the season.
The making of Kelechi Iheanacho
Iheanacho gained prominence in 2013 following his impressive performance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he showcased his skills as an attacking midfielder.
Manuel Pellegrini recognised him as a crucial and hardworking player, while Brendan Rodgers lauded him as an incredible talent devoid of ego.
His impact transcended his club as well, with the FA Cup acknowledging him as one of the most iconic black players in the competition's history.
Media outlets such as the BBC hailed him as the “deadliest striker in Europe,” praising his exceptional goal-scoring ability and speed. Esteemed figures in English football, including Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, lauded him as a player brimming with talent and potential.
In the 2015-2016 season, Iheanacho made history by achieving the best goals-per-minute record in Premier League history, becoming the only African player to do so.
He was acclaimed as the “Most Prolific Goal Scorer” in both the Premier League and Europe by renowned publications such as The Telegraph and Sky Sports.
Rio Ferdinand, a former English Ballon d'Or nominee, singled out Iheanacho as the standout Nigerian player in the Premier League, emphasizing his prowess as a goal scorer.
His achievements have made him a role model for emerging Nigerian football talents, who aspire to emulate his success.
