Brentford defender Michael Kayode says he has no idea how he became the Premier League’s new long-throw specialist, admitting his growing reputation as the division’s “long-throw king” has happened almost by accident.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 21-year-old opened up on the unexpected weapon that has transformed Brentford’s attacking armoury this season and drawn comparisons with Rory Delap’s infamous missile-like throws of the Stoke City era.
Kayode leads the Premier League in long-throw distance
Long throws have made a comeback this season, with nearly every top-flight club adding them to their set-piece repertoire. But no one has been more effective — or more dangerous — than Kayode.
Kayode’s Long-Throw Numbers (2025/26):
- Average distance: 33.2 metres (Premier League leader)
- Longest throw: 38.52 metres
- Goals directly created: 2
- Shots created from throws: 6 (most of any Premier League player)
The Brentford full-back’s flat, fast trajectory has unsettled defences all campaign and forced teams to treat throw-ins like corners. His delivery is not as explosive as Delap’s 45m apex — and nowhere near the Guinness World Record of 59.8m — but its accuracy and chaos-generating bounce make it equally dangerous.
Kayode: “I haven’t trained for it — it’s all natural”
Despite statistical dominance and tactical impact, Kayode insists he never set out to become the league’s long-throw specialist.
“Honestly, I can’t tell you. It’s not something I’ve trained for — it’s all natural. Once I discovered I had it, I started from there. I think there’s still room for improvement.” — Michael Kayode
He explained that his focus is simple: cause chaos.
“I don’t look for a teammate — I just try to put it in and make a mess. Nothing special. A corner is easier to defend because there’s more power and trajectory. A throw-in drops into a mess and someone can score.”
Kayode is Brentford’s newest tactical edge
In our view, Michael Kayode's long throws storyline captures something Brentford have mastered better than most: turning unconventional skills into competitive advantage.
Although some may laugh off long throws as agricultural or old-school, the nuance is that they create high-value chances with minimal risk. Kayode’s natural ability has made Brentford the top long-throw team in the league — and opponents now prepare for his throws like set-pieces.
Reliance on long throws can make attacks predictable. But Brentford use them selectively and strategically, not as a primary plan.
Kayode’s rise shows why scouting matters
Brentford signed Kayode not for long throws, but for his athleticism, technical potential, and defensive profile. His unexpected weapon is simply another example of the club’s elite talent development environment allowing players to discover new strengths.
Key Insights
- Kayode leads the Premier League in long-throw distance (33.2m average).
- His throws have created more shots than any other player this season.
- He insists he never trained for long throws — the ability is “all natural.”
- Brentford’s set-piece approach maximises his chaotic flat trajectory.
- Comparisons with Rory Delap highlight the growing impact of his technique.
What’s Next
Kayode’s throws will continue to be a major part of Brentford’s tactical toolkit as they push to climb the Premier League table. Opponents may know what’s coming — but stopping it is proving to be another challenge entirely.
👉 Brentford fans — is Kayode already your new cult hero?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *