“In training, he’s the referee” – Why Nigeria target Adarabioyo stands out at Chelsea on and off the pitch
Photo by IMAGO
Marc Cucurella has lifted the lid on what makes Tosin Adarabioyo such a unique presence at Chelsea, Soccernet.ng reports.
Spain international Cucurella has describing the Nigerian-eligible defender as one of the loudest and most influential figures in the Chelsea dressing room.
Adarabioyo, 27, joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Fulham in the summer of 2024 and immediately slotted into Enzo Maresca’s plans.
Photo by IMAGO
In his first season, he helped the Blues clinch the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, to boost his growing stature at Stamford Bridge.
Cucurella, who has played alongside the centre-back since his arrival, says Adarabioyo’s voice carries as much weight in training as his defending does on matchdays.
Chelsea stars Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Cucurella. Photo by IMAGO
“Probably Tosin [Adarabioyo],” Cucurella told Chelseafc.com when asked who the squad’s loudest player is.
“In training, he’s the referee; he loves to speak. He’s the man who always has something to say. Just in training, he’s the referee, he puts his own rules, he decides everything!”
Photo by IMAGO
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The former Barcelona and Getafe defender even believes Adarabioyo could handle an emergency switch of positions if required.
“Probably I would choose myself, but if not, I maybe choose Tosin because he’s very tall and loud, so he can make good saves,” he joked when asked which outfield player could do a turn in goal.
Adarabioyo: Nigeria or England?
Despite his brilliance for Chelsea, Adarabioyo’s international future remains a subject of debate. Born in London to Nigerian parents, he has represented England extensively at youth level but never made the step up to the senior side.
Photo by IMAGO
The Chelsea defender remains eligible to switch allegiance to Nigeria and has previously hinted at the possibility of wearing the Super Eagles shirt.
In 2020, he revealed he was open to featuring at the World Cup with either England or Nigeria. He visited Nigeria recently and has admitted he is close to making a decision on his international future.
For now, Nigeria boss Eric Chelle continues to rely on William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Chidozie Awaziem at centre-back. But Adarabioyo’s form in Chelsea blue keeps the door wide open for a call-up.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
