Leeds United will regret Shea Charles transfer collapse as latest stats emerge
Fulham midfielder Shea Charles scored a sensational stoppage time winner for Northern Ireland as they beat Georgia 1-0 on Friday.
The 22-year-old's strike came in the ninth minute of stoppage time, handing Michael O'Neill's team a first-ever away win in the Nations League.
Incredibly, the defining moment came after another that had taken place around 35 minutes before, when his brother, Pierce Charles, saved from the penalty spot to deny PSG star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Charles joined Fulham in a £30million move from Southampton in the summer, and has adapted to life in the Premier League well.
He had looked destined for a move to Leeds United, who were keen to sign the midfielder and lodged two bids, but the £10m difference in valuations ultimately saw them pull out.
That decision may be one the Whites come to regret, with Charles putting his full talents on show for Northern Ireland on Friday.
Shea Charles stuns in stats vs Georgia
Despite being the age of just 22, Charles has already been capped 36 times for Northern Ireland and has even captained them on occasion.
The midfielder made his senior debut in 2022, when he was still playing academy football for Manchester City.
There was serious excitement surrounding the prospect, and it has been clear exactly why in the years that have passed since.
Charles delivered another stunning performance for his nation on Friday. He finished well when given the chance but there was so much more to his display.
The 22-year-old also created a chance and took a remarkable five shots - more than anybody else on the pitch, including both strikers.
But it was his defensive work that was truly staggering. Charles made three tackles, a block, two clearances, an interception and an extraordinary 10 recoveries - a number unmatched elsewhere.
The same can be said for his success in the duel - the Fulham man contested 11 of them and came out on top in nine of them.
Charles' aim was to 'return to Premier League'
Charles certainly has the makings of a player who could well be on the move again in the next couple of years.
The 22-year-old is an exceptional talent, and may be one Leeds live to regret missing out on.
"Whether it was with Southampton or by getting a move the aim was always to get back to the Premier League," he told BBC Sport this week.
"It's really exciting and I've settled in really well. It's a really good club and when I spoke to the manager we saw football in the same way."