Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo did not feature in the Conference League final on Wednesday night.
However, that did not stop the 27-year-old from contributing to Chelsea‘s 4-1 victory over Real Betis.
Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo will get all of the glory after scoring for the Blues, while manager Enzo Maresca is also coming in for praise.
But Adarabioyo did his part despite not entering the game. The centre-back has been a regular overall in the Conference League this season, making 12 appearances, including qualifiers.
Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Tosin Adarabioyo gave out instructions from technical area during Chelsea’s 4-1 win against Real Betis
Adarabioyo had to do his part from the bench, though he was never actually there during the second half.
According to reporter Gary Cotterill, the former Fulham man spent the second 45 minutes in Chelsea’s technical area trying to direct his teammates on the pitch.
“Amazing to watch Tosin Adarabioyo,” Cotterill said while reporting on the game for Sky Sports. “He’s definitely a coach in the making. For most of this second half he’s hardly been on the bench. He’s up in the technical area waving his arms around as if he’s the manager.”
Despite having the likes of Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, Chelsea could still strengthen in the centre-back position this summer.
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Chelsea are prepared to re-sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace after selling the England international to the FA Cup winners in 2021.
It could see Adarabioyo’s game time decrease, but he may not have to worry about his actual position in Enzo Maresca‘s squad.
Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images
Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images
Why Chelsea are unlikely to sell Tosin Adarabioyo
Despite only arriving at Chelsea last summer, Adarabioyo has been linked to other clubs throughout the season.
However, the Blues seem very reluctant to part ways with the ex-Manchester City player this year.
It has been claimed that Chelsea want to keep hold of Adarabioyo because of his influence behind the scenes. Adarabioyo is one of the more seasoned and experienced footballers in Chelsea’s squad and the club clearly value that.
If the former England youth international is content with his role, then you would expect him to remain at Stamford Bridge.