Crewe Alexandra record-breaker Joel Ewusi says he will watch the goal that made him the club’s youngest ever scorer “probably every day when I wake up and before bed” after his history-making effort in Tuesday’s 3-2 Carabao Cup second round defeat by Barnsley.
Ewusi, a Ghaaian boy powered in a header from an 89th-minute cross from Lewis Billington three minutes after coming off the bench for his debut aged 16 years and 79 days old.
In doing so he became the youngest player to both represent the club and score, beating the old records of Steve Walters, who made his debut at 16 years and 119 days in May 1988 and David Jones, who was 16 and 144 days old when he netted his first goal in September 1956.
“I’m so happy,” he told BBC Radio Stoke. “I don’t know how to describe the feeling.
“It’s like so, so much bliss – thank God and thank the coaches everyone, all the managers, the staff and the players.”
Ewusi was one of 10 Crewe academy players involved in their tie at Oakwell.
Although Adrien Thibaut had given Lee Bell’s side the perfect start by putting the visitors in front on 21 minutes, the League One Tykes hit back to lead 3-1 at the break.
As time ran out, Ewusi replaced 20-year-old Luca Moore and rose between two defenders to thump home Billington’s inviting centre from eight yards to give Crewe late hope.
Despite failing to force penalties, Crewe boss Bell said Ewusi’s performance was “the most pleasing thing to take from the game”.
“I’m absolutely made up for him,” he added. “He’s worked incredibly hard and really progressed this season.”
As for teenager Ewusi, he said his overwhelming feeling was one of pride.
“When I went on, I thought ‘this my first time being in the environment’ so I would do everything and go in the box and just score.
“I’m very proud of myself and when I got told [I was in the squad] before the training I was so happy, I got my phone and texted my uncle who is always there for me.
“When I scored I looked at the fans and they shouted my name – I was almost going to cry so I thank the supporters as well.”
