Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was happy to see Tosin Adarabioyo score in Chelsea’s 7-0 win against Port Vale in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Saturday.
Liam Rosenior’s side were already winning 3-0 before Adarabioyo headed home close to the hour mark.
Adarabioyo and his Chelsea teammates played very well, but it was to be expected given the strength of their opponents.
Estevao is having a better season than Cole Palmer 🔥
Estevao Willian's stats vs Port Vale
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink claims it’s important for Chelsea’s centre-halves to score
Adarabioyo and the rest of Chelsea’s backline need to improve their defending. The Blues have been extremely leaky of late.
However, Hasselbaink has reminded his old side that the centre-backs also need to score goals.
Speaking on BBC following Chelsea’s win against Port Vale, Hasselbaink said: “Chelsea had a few little scary moments but they defended really well. The goalkeeper didn’t have a save to make.
“It was very good that they kept a clean sheet and Tosin took his goal really well. It’s important to see centre-backs on the scoresheet.”
Tosin Adarabioyo of Chelsea celebrates scoring
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Adarabioyo has not had too much to smile about this season, but the 28-year-old can at least take some joy from his latest run-out and goal.
In total, he has only made seven starts in the Premier League, which will disappoint him. It has been claimed that Adarabioyo is one player looking to leave Chelsea in the summer.
If Adarabioyo gets more opportunities between now and the end of the campaign, though, perhaps he may change his mind.
Tosin Adarabioyo’s impressive goal record at Chelsea
For a central defender, Adarabioyo’s goal record at Chelsea is pretty good. Since joining the Blues from their west London rivals Fulham in 2024, Adarabioyo has scored seven goals in 68 games.
Had the former Fulham man been a regular starter at Chelsea, he would probably have more than that. At 6’5″, he is at a massive advantage in the air, which can help him to score with his head, as Chelsea supporters saw on Saturday.
Between now and the end of the campaign, perhaps Adarabioyo could have an important role to play for Chelsea in both boxes. He cannot get carried away, though, after one good performance against a League One side, a League One side who are on the verge of getting relegated.
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