Enzo Maresca hails Super Eagles hopeful Tosin Adarabioyo after Impressive Chelsea start
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca took time to praise Nigerian prospect Tosin Adarabioyo during a press conference on Friday, ahead of their Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 27-year-old defender, who joined Chelsea this summer, has been turning heads with his performances, and Maresca did not shy away from acknowledging the centre-back’s potential.
Tosin’s Journey to Chelsea
Adarabioyo, a product of Manchester City’s academy, became Chelsea’s first signing under Maresca after rejecting a lucrative contract from Fulham. The deal with the Blues saw him pen a four-year contract, signaling his commitment to his new club despite limited appearances so far this season.
Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, the former England youth international has contributed to Chelsea’s back-to-back clean sheets in Premier League outings against Bournemouth and West Ham United. His full debut came in the UEFA Conference League against Swiss side Servette FC, where he put on a standout performance in a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca’s Praise for Tosin
When asked about Tosin’s development at Chelsea, Maresca expressed his admiration for the player he knows well from their time at Manchester City.
“I’m very impressed,” Maresca told reporters. “I’ve known Tosin since City and have been very impressed with him, especially the way he behaves inside and outside the pitch. He is one of the leaders in the changing room, so we are very delighted and very happy with him.”
Maresca’s familiarity with Adarabioyo’s qualities has helped the defender adapt to Chelsea’s style of play, with the manager emphasizing the leadership he brings to the squad.
Tosin’s International Future
Tosin Adarabioyo’s international future has been the subject of speculation, with recent rumors suggesting that he had chosen to represent Nigeria over England. However, the Super Eagles hopeful has not yet been contacted by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) or interim Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming internationals in October.
Despite the rumors, no official approach has been made to the Chelsea defender, and his decision on international allegiance remains open. Tosin’s older brother, Fisayo Adarabioyo, was once called up to the Nigeria U23 squad under coach Samson Siasia in 2014 but did not attend the training camp in Abuja.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Tosin continues to cement his place at Chelsea, his performances could attract more attention from Nigeria, potentially bolstering the Super Eagles’ defense in the near future. With Maresca’s backing and a strong start to life at Stamford Bridge, the door remains open for Adarabioyo to make his mark both domestically and internationally.
