The summer of 2024 is a crucial period for some big teams across Europe. Top clubs, especially from England are looking to sign quality players this summer. With the Euros and Copa America just around the corner, these teams have set their eyes on some of the big names. One club that is likely to stay busy in the transfer window will be Chelsea.
Since the new ownership, the Blues have actively participated in the transfer windows. They have spent money on young players with the hope of building a team for the future. Chelsea are likely to offload a few players this summer due to FFP rules. Thiago Silva also left the club this summer, leaving a huge gap in the backline.
The Blues have already entered the transfer market and made their first move. Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo has agreed terms to join the Blues. He was available on a free transfer and Chelsea managed to secure his signing. Tosin was on the transfer radar of other big clubs in England. Let’s take a look at what the 26-year-old defender will add to Chelsea’s backline.
Injury-hit 2023-24 season
Tosin Adarabioyo is a Manchester City academy graduate but failed to break into the first team. He made a few cup appearances for City and was sold to Fulham. He played four seasons at the London club. Adarabioyo’s last season at the club began with injuries and the defender only made 20 appearances in the league for Fulham.
The above pizza chart shows the percentile rank of the defender in comparison to other right centre-backs in Tier 1 of league football. Tosin has proved to be an aerial threat and that has led to a few shots. He is ranked highly for taking touches inside the opposition penalty box. Other than this, the defender knows how to pass the ball and keep his team on the front foot.
Chelsea’s new recruit knows how to play the ball. He is ranked highly for attempting progressive passes. Most of these passes found a teammate in the final third of the opposition. This shows that Tosin will be a key player in Chelsea’s backline.
Aerial threat and defensive discipline
Tosin Adarabioyo plays as a right centre-back. The above viz shows his defensive territory from the recently concluded season. Tosin likes to stay in the middle while defending his goal. He showed great discipline at the back and didn’t give away any silly fouls.
The above plot evaluates the centre-back’s discipline by examining the frequency of fouls committed and the accumulation of yellow cards. Tosin only gave a few fouls and even received very few bookings.
This plot measures a centre-back’s aerial presence and effectiveness, crucial for defending set pieces and crosses. Adarabioyo was ranked in the top quadrant for winning aerial duels. He will be a key figure during set pieces for the Blues.
Other than this, the defender can put his body on the line. He made 11 crucial blocks, with a few coming inside the penalty box.
Chelsea have made a huge signing and that too on a free transfer. Tosin will look to prove himself and aim to earn trophies with his new club.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
