Enzo Maresca claims Tosin Adarabioyo was the only Chelsea player capable of doing one thing in win vs Morecambe

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Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo was arguably the standout performer in his side’s 5-0 win against Morecambe on Saturday.

Despite being a centre-back, Tosin Adarabioyo was still able to score two goals in Chelsea‘s third round FA Cup victory.

His defending was also good, though. Overall, Adarabioyo had an excellent game for Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca has since come out to praise the 27-year-old and what he was able to do with the ball against Derek Adams’ team.

• READ MORE: Tosin Adarabioyo receives hilarious messages from Jadon Sancho and seven Chelsea teammates after his two FA Cup goals

Enzo Maresca lauds Tosin Adarabioyo’s ball carrying

Adarabioyo is obviously winning plaudits for his strikes against Morecambe. But for Maresca, his ability to carry the ball is something that cannot be overlooked either.

The Chelsea head coach felt that the former Fulham man was the only player capable of doing the above during his side’s latest outing at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, which was relayed by football.london, Maresca said: “They were marking man-to-man inside of the box and there was no space. He was the only one who could carry the ball and try that option. We are happy for him.”

Right now, Adarabioyo has a good chance to win a place in his manager’s starting XI. However, Adarabioyo could face competition from Trevoh Chalobah if he is recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace.

Will Tosin Adarabioyo start against Bournemouth?

The fact that Josh Acheampong did not play a single minute versus Morecambe suggests that the teenager is going to start in the Bournemouth game on Tuesday.

That was the case in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend, with Acheampong being used in central defence.

That was not a great development for Adarabioyo and may have had the ex-Manchester City player feeling a bit worried.

But he played really well against Morecambe and with Maresca having to be careful with Reece James, you can imagine Adarabioyo keeping his spot in the team and Acheampong shuffling over to right-back.

Malo Gusto is another right-back option, but Maresca has not always trusted him this season for whatever reason. John Obi Mikel recently questioned Maresca’s usage of Gusto, who could now find himself competing with James and Acheampong for a first-team spot.