Brentford defender Michael Kayode who turned down an approach to play for the senior national team of Nigeria in favour of Italy has not been given the recognition he expected.
Kayode who was born in Italy to an immigrant Nigerian father had a breakthrough season in the English Premier League, where he can arguably be in the list of the best right backs in the league.
Despite that he is yet to find favour with the selectors of the senior national team of Italy. It was said that new coach Silvio Baldini who replaced Gennaro Gattuso will likely hand a spot to the defender.
Baldini knew Kayode very well from their team in the U21 of Italy before his recent elevation as interim coach of the main team. Despite that he hasn’t looked the way of the former Fiorentina defender.
What’s even more bewildering is the fact that the coach has made three adjustments to his team before and their recent friendly games against Luxembourg and Greece respectively.
Baldini was forced into calling replacements , including in the full back positions but didn’t look the way of the 21 year old. A sign of how lowly rated he is in the set up.
It makes his decision not to consider a chance with Nigeria at international level weird. He clearly doesn’t stand a chance at the moment unlike with Nigeria where he will walk into the team.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
