Photo by Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Photo by Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
It is only pre-season, but Xabi Alonso has got to be concerned with some of the defending he has seen from his Chelsea players.
On Saturday, Chelsea lost 2-1 to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur after conceding in the 92nd minute. Before that, they conceded four goals against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Again, these were only friendly games, but Alonso fielded a very strong defence in the Spurs defeat, deploying a backline of new signing Marco Palestra, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Jorrel Hato.
Player ratings vs Tottenham
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Tosin Adarabioyo moves closer to exit door after unconvincing cameo against Tottenham
Colwill played pretty well in the London derby and does not look like someone who suffered a terrible ACL injury only a year ago. However, another central defender, Tosin Adarabioyo, is definitely not at the top of his game right now.
The 28-year-old came on in the second half, and his defending before Richarlison’s goal was very questionable.
Since the start of last season, Chelsea fans have not been too impressed with Adarabioyo’s defending overall.
Tosin Adarabioyo of Chelsea
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Everyone is getting frustrated with how often the former Fulham man backs off and gets beaten in one-v-one situations.
Adarabioyo certainly has his strengths and would probably start for a lot of other Premier League clubs. He has got the height and is known to be a leader in the dressing room.
However, with Alonso only wanting four or five centre-backs in his squad, there are going to have to be exits this summer.
Colwill will not be going anywhere, Maxence Lacroix has just joined the club and Wesley Fofana’s wages make it almost impossible to move him on. That is already three spots gone, leaving Adarabioyo in a real battle to remain at Stamford Bridge.
After his latest display, it could be game over for the Manchester City academy graduate, who was brought to the club when Enzo Maresca was still in charge.