Antigua and Barbuda: Premier League Nations

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·29 June 2020

Antigua and Barbuda: Premier League Nations

Continuing our alphabetical world tour, next up is Antigua and Barbuda. With a population of just 96,000, Antigua and Barbuda are no footballing powerhouse. Despite this, three players have represented the Island group in the Premier League, according to the Premier League website.

First Player – Dexter Blackstock (Southampton; 2004-2005)

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After bursting on the scene with a goal against south coast rivals Portsmouth aged just 18, Dexter Blackstock was tipped for a long career in the Premier League. Sadly, his career would largely be spent in the Championship.

Blackstock represented England through different youth age groups, before accepting a call up to the Antigua and Barbuda side in 2012, who he qualified for through his grandfather.

His first Premier League appearance came in October 2004, just 21 days before Mikele Leigertwood became the second Antiguan to feature as he made his top-flight debut for Crystal Palace.

Records

Most Appearances – Mikele Leigertwood (69)
First appearance – Dexter Blackstock (Everton 1-0 SOUTHAMPTON, October 16th 2004)
Most goals – Mikele Leigertwood (2)
First goal – Dexter Blackstock (SOUTHAMPTON 2-1 Portsmouth, November 16th 2004)

Other players

In addition to Blackstock and Leigertwood, Moses Ashikodi featured twice for Watford in 2006/07.

Trivia & Records

According to the Premier League website, Antigua and Barbuda are one of just eight FIFA nations to have had exactly three players appear in the Premier League.
All three players to have represented Antigua and Barbuda in the Premier League were born in England, known in Antigua and Barbuda as Benna Brits.
All three players made their senior international debuts at least three years after their first Premier League appearance.