Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca admits that he has been left “very impressed” with the impact of one of the club’s summer signings.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has talked up the impact at Stamford Bridge of defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
On the back of the Italian being appointed as the club’s new boss, Chelsea were being linked with a wide array of players who would cost a substantial fee.
However, the first acquisition of the summer transfer window was that of Adarabioyo, who opted to leave Fulham and join their West London neighbours on a free transfer.
With Adarabioyo having spent a number of years at Craven Cottage, it was not necessarily the type of signing that many Chelsea fans had anticipated.
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old is currently proving to be a shrewd piece of business, despite having initially found himself struggling for a chance in the Premier League.
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“Very impressed”
During the first month of the season, Adarabioyo was limited to two starts in the Europa Conference League playoff tie against Servette.
However, a substitute outing against Bournemouth after the international break was followed by a start against West Ham United in the Premier League last weekend, helping Chelsea to a 3-0 victory.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s fixture at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, Maresca acknowledged that he has been left delighted with the impact of a player that he knows from their days at Manchester City.
He said: “Very impressed. I know Tosin since City. Very impressed with him, especially the way he behave inside the pitch and outside the pitch.
“He is always there. He is one of the leaders in the changing room. We are very happy and delighted with him.”
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Is Adarabioyo guaranteed start against Brighton?
Having not played any part of Tuesday’s EFL Cup tie versus Barrow, Adarabioyo is certainly in contention to start versus the Seagulls.
However, much will depend on whether Maresca chooses to use fit-again Malo Gusto at right-back, a decision that would leave the dilemma of who to use alongside Levi Colwill in the centre.
Wesley Fofana started at right-back last week having previously featured in the centre. The likelihood is that the Frenchman would get the nod over Adarabioyo if Gusto is recalled to the first XI.
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