You may not have heard much about Southampton's Michael Obafemi, but, if tonight's performance is anything to go by, you will be hearing an awful lot more.
Famed for their highly-productive academy system, Obafemi was representing the Saints' U-18 side in the FA Youth Cup this evening.
Facing off against Wolves, Southampton went a goal behind after 23 minutes. Pulling level just before half-time, the second half would belong to Obafemi.
With a turn of pace that is absolutely frightening, the 17-year old's first of the evening cannot but remind one of the young man's name sake ... Michael Owen that is, not Obafemi Martins.
GOAL: #SaintsFCU18s 2-1 #Wolves U18s (Michael Obafemi 72)
Obafemi latches on to a ball over the top and makes no mistake! #SaintsFCU18s are in front! pic.twitter.com/Cc8cfDJKtd
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 14, 2017
On a night where he looked absolutely unplayable against a Wolves back-line that could not handle his pace and quick-thinking, Obafemi's second four minutes later once-again demonstrated this young man's incredible potential.
GOAL: #SaintsFCU18s 3-1 #Wolves U18s (Michael Obafemi 76)
He's done it again! Obafemi's pace is too much for the #Wolves defence and he finishes in style. pic.twitter.com/fflZmdCCjr
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 14, 2017
With the game all but over, a late penalty provided Obafemi with the opportunity to seal his hat-trick. With absolutely no nerves whatsoever, he made no mistake whatsoever.
GOAL: #SaintsFCU18s 4-1 #Wolves U18s (Michael Obafemi pen 90)
Obafemi scores from the penalty spot to complete his hat-trick! ⚽️⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/HnUH6yLxVK
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 14, 2017
This hat-trick brings Obafemi's scoring tally for the season into double figures, the young man is the top-scorer for the younger Saints this season.
Alongside his goals, Obafemi's industry throughout the night was something to behold.
Despite hitting his shot agonisingly wide of the post, Obafemi's sense of mind and place within the box here was extremely promising and lacking in any fear whatsoever.
58: #SaintsFCU18s' Obafemi races clear down the right and shows tremendous strength to hold off his man, but drills a low shot across goal and just beyond the stretching Siu. pic.twitter.com/9qEaqq8t2o
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 14, 2017
All in all, Obafemi, who, like his other namesake (Martins this time), has a Nigerian background also,l looks to be an incredibly exciting young Irish prospect.
Keep an eye out for him!
