The 26-year-old sent the internet into a frenzy following his treble against the Seagulls – here’s your guide to the Super Eagles prospect

 

Elijah Adebayo netted a hat-trick as Luton Town hammered Brighton and Hove Albion 4-0 in Tuesday’s English Premier League encounter.

Making his eleventh start in the English topflight this season, the forward – who anchored the Hatters’ attack alongside Jordan Clark Carlton Morris – put up a breathtaking display to send Roberto De Zerbi’s men home with heads bowed low.

Aside from his man-of-the match display at Kenilworth Road, Adebayo became the first Luton player to score a top-flight hat-trick since Lars Elstrup against Norwich City in September 1990, and first at Kenilworth Road since Mark Stein against Oxford United in February 1988.

In case you are unfamiliar with the 26-year-old and his style of play, Soccernet.ng has come up with an extensive profile of a man who could be considered for selection by the Nigeria senior national team in future.

Who is Elijah Adebayo?

Adebayo is a professional footballer who represents English elite division outfit Luton Town.

He was born in Brent, England on January 7, 1998 to Nigerian parents who hail from Remo, Ogun State – a town in the western part of the African country.

Adebayo joined Fulham Academy when he was nine years old, before signing his first professional contract with the London outfit when he turned 18.

Following his inability to break into the first team at Craven Cottage, he enjoyed loan spells at Slough Town, Bognor Regis Town, Cheltenham Town, Swindon Town and Stevenage.

Having been released by Fulham at the end of the 2018-19 campaign, he was snapped up by League Two side Walsall in June 2019.

How much did Elijah Adebayo cost Luton Town?

Elijah’s impressive stats of 18 goals in 39 League Two starts made him a prime target by the Hatters.

Even at interests from Championship teams in England and Scotland, Luton signed the lanky forward from the Midlands club for an unknown fee on February 1, 2021.

He made a bright start to life at Kenilworth Road – scoring on his first start in a 1–1 draw against Millwall. In October 2022, he took time off from the beautiful game owing to off-field issues.

Why did Luton Town sign Elijah Adebayo?

Former Hatters boss Nathan Jones told the club website: “We are delighted to get Elijah on board. He is someone who was coveted by a lot of clubs, because he’s one that has massive, massive potential.

“He’s a big physical presence, something that we haven’t got, and he’s someone that we’ve been watching for a while.

“For us to get him shows that once again that we are not just content with signing players for now, but we are looking towards the future and he’s one that will develop here and hopefully become a top player for us.”

So what sort of player is he exactly?

Adebayo is an adaptable player who is capable of playing anywhere except the goalkeeping department.

During his formative years, he played as a central defender. Due to his staggering height, he often helps his team to defend during set pieces situations.

Unlike most forwards of his height, Adebayo is strong and has a significant pace and strength.

His creativity has also allowed him to operate in a more withdrawn attacking role behind or supporting the main striker, or even in an advanced playmaking role.

Although his height made him a strong presence in the air, he is more adept at scoring with his feet than with his head.

What national team does Elijah Adebayo play for?

Adebayo is yet to commit his international allegiance to any country. Nevertheless,  he is eligible to represent Nigeria and England.

Although the Three Lions and Super Eagles boast quality talents upfront, he could pitch his tent with the three-African champions – thus, following the footsteps of Efan Ekoku, Shola Ameobi, Victor Moses, Joe Aribo, Semi Ajayi, Alex Iwobi, and Ola Aina.

What is Elijah Adebayo FIFA 23 rating and potential?

Adebayo’s overall rating in FIFA 23 is 72, with a potential of 77. He has a three-star skill moves rating. He prefers to shoot with his right foot and his work rates are high/medium.

His best stat is strength, which is 85, while he has 78 in sprint speed, and 77 in stamina.