Does Chukwuemeka show the demise of a 90-minute player?

Carney Chukwuemeka’s Unusual Record Highlights Changing Trends in Modern Football

This week, the name of Carney Chukwuemeka was trending widely across social media—but not for the reasons fans might expect. There was no spectacular long-range goal, no viral dribble, and no standout match-winning performance. Instead, attention centered on a truly unusual statistical milestone.

Despite making 97 senior appearances across competitions, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder has yet to complete a full 90-minute match. It’s a rare and intriguing record that reflects not only his career path but also broader changes in how modern football is played.

A career of appearances without full matches

Chukwuemeka’s senior debut came with Aston Villa on the final day of the 2020–21 Premier League season, in a match against Tottenham Hotspur. Since then, he has accumulated appearances across three major clubs—Villa, Chelsea, and Borussia Dortmund.

Out of his 97 appearances, only 18 have come as a starter. However, even in those matches, he has always been substituted before reaching the final whistle. His closest attempts at completing a full game came twice, when he was taken off in the 82nd minute.

One of those instances occurred during Chelsea’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester United in May 2023. The other came in a 1-1 draw for Borussia Dortmund against Hamburg in November 2025.

The remaining 79 appearances have all been as a substitute, highlighting a consistent pattern throughout his career so far. His match breakdown includes 16 appearances for Aston Villa, 32 for Chelsea, and 49 for Borussia Dortmund following his move in 2024.

Talent not in question

While the statistic might seem unusual, it is not a reflection of Chukwuemeka’s ability. In fact, he is highly regarded by coaches and teammates alike.

Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has been particularly vocal in his praise. After a dominant 6-0 victory over Union Berlin, Kovac described the midfielder as “sensationally good,” emphasizing his technical qualities and ability to carry the ball forward with purpose.

Kovac highlighted Chukwuemeka’s acceleration, control, and instinctive movement as unique traits that make him a valuable asset. Such praise reinforces the idea that his lack of full matches is more about tactical usage than limitations in skill.

The impact of five substitutions

To understand this phenomenon, it is essential to look at how football has evolved in recent years—particularly the introduction of five substitutions.

This shift can be traced back to the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. When football resumed after a prolonged pause, schedules became congested, and player welfare became a major concern.

In response, the International Football Association Board introduced a temporary rule allowing teams to make five substitutions instead of the traditional three. Initially intended as a short-term solution, the rule was later extended and eventually made permanent.

While leagues like Spain’s La Liga, Italy’s Serie A, Germany’s Bundesliga, and France’s Ligue 1 quickly adopted the change, the Premier League initially resisted before eventually implementing it in the 2022–23 season.

Managers have largely welcomed the rule. Mikel Arteta, head coach of Arsenal, noted that it helps manage player workloads while offering greater tactical flexibility.

Fewer players completing full matches

One of the most noticeable consequences of the five-substitute rule is the reduction in the number of players who complete full matches.

Before the pandemic, an average of around 7.1 outfield players per game completed the full 90 minutes across Europe’s top five leagues. In the Premier League, the figure was slightly higher at 7.2.

Since the introduction of five substitutions, that number has dropped significantly to around 5.5 players per match. The Premier League remains slightly above average at 5.9, while leagues like La Liga and Serie A see even fewer players lasting the entire game, averaging around 5.3.

This shift reflects a broader change in how managers approach matches. Rotations are more frequent, substitutions are more strategic, and maintaining intensity throughout the game has become a priority.

Is Chukwuemeka alone?

Chukwuemeka’s record may seem extraordinary, but he is not entirely unique.

Research into players across Europe’s top leagues reveals that, during the era of three substitutions (2014–2019), every player with at least 50 appearances managed to complete a full match at least once.

However, in the current era of five substitutions, there are now multiple players who have reached similar milestones without playing a full 90 minutes.

One notable example is Randy Nteka, who has played over 100 league matches for Rayo Vallecano and Elche without completing a full league game.

Another case is Jeff Ekhator, a young striker for Genoa, who has played more than 50 matches across competitions without reaching the 90-minute mark. His longest appearance so far has been 72 minutes.

There are also near-misses, such as Alan Virginius, who has played over 160 matches but has only once come close to completing a full game—and even then, he was substituted during extra time.

A sign of the modern game

Chukwuemeka’s situation highlights a broader trend in football. Players are increasingly being used in specialized roles—whether as impact substitutes, tactical starters, or rotational options.

The emphasis on squad depth and flexibility means that fewer players are expected to play full matches regularly. Instead, managers focus on maximizing performance through strategic substitutions.

For young players like Chukwuemeka, this can be both an opportunity and a challenge. While it provides more chances to gain experience, it also limits the opportunity to build rhythm through full matches.

Could six substitutions be next?

As football continues to evolve, discussions have already begun about further changes. At a recent meeting involving major clubs, the idea of expanding matchday squads and allowing six substitutions was reportedly discussed.

Clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest were among those involved in these conversations.

However, the proposal has not yet been formally considered by IFAB, and there are concerns about its potential impact. The Professional Footballers’ Association has expressed doubts about whether larger squads and additional substitutions would truly benefit players, particularly in terms of mental fatigue.

If such changes were introduced, they would likely further reduce the number of players completing full matches and increase the frequency of rotational appearances.

What lies ahead for Chukwuemeka?

As Chukwuemeka approaches 100 appearances, the spotlight on his unique record is likely to intensify. However, it may only be a matter of time before he finally completes a full match.

Interestingly, the midfielder—who previously represented England at youth level—has recently switched his international allegiance to Austria, the country of his birth.

With a potential appearance at the World Cup on the horizon, there is every chance that his first full 90 minutes could come on one of football’s biggest stages.

Conclusion

Carney Chukwuemeka’s unusual record is more than just a statistical curiosity—it is a reflection of how modern football has evolved. The introduction of five substitutions has reshaped the game, influencing tactics, player usage, and match dynamics.

While his case may still be relatively rare, it is becoming increasingly common in today’s football landscape. As the sport continues to adapt, records like his may soon become far less unusual.

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